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“"The Compassion of a Mature Believer"”

Thoughts for Today:

How does someone feel for other people in the same way as Paul? Is compassion a trait we're born with (like the color of our eyes or the shape of our nose), or is it learned? While some people may have a greater natural capacity for compassion than others, I believe it can be learned. How? Throughout the last few chapters, Paul has given us a pretty good road map. And actually, it's pretty simple: Compassion comes to us as a result of thoughtful consideration.

In Luke 19:41, as Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace?but now it is hidden from your eyes." Why was He troubled? Because He knew what would happen to the people as a result of their unbelief and it broke His heart. If we were to seriously consider the eternal destination of the person sitting next to us -- whether at our son's baseball game, daughter's open house, or in the lunch room at work -- then we too could learn and feel true compassion.

It's one of the reasons devotional time is so important. And it's not to impress other people or earn extra credit in heaven. However, if we fail to pause long enough in our hectic lives to pray, consider, listen and worship, then our eyes dry out and hearts become calloused. The Lord does His work of developing compassion in us when, during our times of prayer, we allow Him to show us the world through His eyes. That's when we can say like Paul, "If you're hurting, I hurt; and when someone leads you to sin, it makes me angry." Paul had both the heart of a father and the compassion of a mature believer.

Questions to Ponder:

Do you need a little work on compassion? Over the years, has your heart become less sensitive? Take some time now and seek the Lord. Ask Him to show you His heart for His people. All people need the Lord's peace. How firmly are you committed to this truth?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.