Compassion

When last did we show compassion to our brothers and sisters or to our neighbours? Jesus is expecting us, his followers, to show compassion to each other. Our God is the Father of compassion. He had so much sympathy for our suffering that He sent us His one and only son to die for us, John 3:16. Do you share God's compassion? Do you realise that Jesus Christ wants to express through you what the Father expressed through bringing love and hope to a hurting world.

We, as God's people, are to be clothed with compassion. What are you wearing today? Are you wearing clothes of compassion? Some of us, from a tender heart, see the trouble of others. We may think we are too far away or too powerless or even afraid to help but that is not true. Our prayers are powerful. They transcend time and space. We can be praying for someone in our living room in Jamaica for someone in Canada or other distant place and our prayer is answered.

Nehemiah was an unselfish man of prayer who looked beyond himself and his needs. His example shows us what we need to do to be powerful intercessors for this world. Like Nehemiah we need to find out what is happening outside the sphere of me, myself and I. When Nehemiah met Hanani, one of his brothers who had recently come from Judah, Nehemiah asked for the names of Jews in Jerusalem, Neh 1:1-3. As soon as he heard of their situation, Nehemiah sat down and wept. He felt compassion and his heart mourned. The Bible says he fasted and prayed asking God to hear him, remember His promises to His people and give him success, Neh 1:4-11.

What wall can you rebuild? What need do you see outside yourself?

When we hear of distress in the world, your heart should respond with compassion. We should pray with persistence and, if so led, take direct action. Take direct action, be filled with confidence that God will work in the situation.

In this world Jesus says we will have trouble. When things seem hopeless, we must be confident that Christ will meet us in the fire, so to speak, as the angel met Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. When terror seems to reign on every side, continue faithfully onward remembering that if we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it and He will because of His compassion. We will not be consumed. See Lamentations 3:22.

I can speak for myself. My life is a perfect example of what it is to suffer in the truth and God has restored me from the enemies that tried to take my life. God was by my side and He stopped them. I have much to thank God for. Because of his unfailing compassion, I was not consumed.

These verses will confirm what I have said: 2 Cor 1:3, 1 Tim 2:1-2, James 5:11, John 17:15- 18, John 16:33, Phil 2:1-2, 2 Cor 10:4, Matt 5:14, 1 Pet 3:8, Eph 6:12, Dan 3:17, 1 John 2:17 & Col 3:12. May God be with you.

Sis Rosie Wright (Jamaica)