There is a lot of speculation in our world right now about what it looks like to have compassion.
This concept has been on my mind quite a bit lately.
Recent events have unmistakably shown that our world is in dire need of compassionate individuals, who prioritize the well-being of others over their own plans.
There’s a critical need for compassionate individuals, leaders, and particularly, a compassionate church.
The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 4:32, urges the church to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
In a divided world, the challenge is how to embody compassion.
I’m convinced that the supreme example of compassion is Jesus Christ, our Compassionate Savior. The Scriptures repeatedly depict Jesus as being deeply moved by compassion.
Often, compassion in the Bible is linked with an action.
For instance, “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14, NIV)
Or, “Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” (Matthew 20:34, NIV)
And, “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” (Mark 6:34, NIV)
Compassion is more than feeling sorry for someone. Often, we feel like something should be done, but we leave it to someone else.
True compassion compels us to action. God beckons us to leave our comfort zones and extend His love to a world in need.
Consider where you might demonstrate compassion today.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12, ESV
It’s Monday again, a day often met with reluctance, yet for me, it’s a great chance to connect with you from my heart. Thank you for dedicating part of your Monday to this Monday Motivator.
In our series of Monday Motivators, we’ve explored the themes of Awakening, Shaking, and now, Loosening.
Our key verse, Isaiah 52:2, urges, “Loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion,” or in another version, “Free yourself.”
This concept of loosening or freeing goes beyond mere hearing; it requires understanding, and beyond just seeing; it demands perception.
What does this mean?
Simply hearing or reading God’s Word isn’t enough. True freedom and clarity come when you gain a personal, deep understanding of it.
As John 8:32 states, “Then you will KNOW the truth, and the truth will set you free.” It’s about deeply knowing, not just hearing, the Word.
The Bible frequently uses the word ‘perceive,’ which means to become aware or conscious of something, realizing or understanding it, not just physically, but on a spiritual level.
I believe many will be freed from the burdens they’ve been carrying this year as they attain a deeper, spiritual understanding of God’s Word and its relevance in their lives.
People will no longer be trapped in old patterns or struggles. They will start living freely, as the liberated individuals they are meant to be.
How can you deepen your understanding of the Word? Begin by inviting the Holy Spirit into your reading. He will help you uncover insights in the scriptures that you might not grasp on your own.
Let’s aim for more than just hearing this year; let’s truly understand. Let’s not just see, but fully perceive.
I began last week sharing a 3-point concept of awakening, being shaken, and loosening.
I anticipate encountering all three of these aspects frequently this year. Last week, while discussing awakening, I emphasized how God will awaken more of His people to His power in the coming year.
Moreover, I anticipate a considerable amount of shaking occurring in people’s lives.
While the term “shaking” often brings to mind the world being shaken, I want to draw attention to a verse in Isaiah.
Isaiah 52:2 says, “Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive.”
This is the year to rise and cast off all the dust you’ve been living under.
That dust might be a long-held belief in a lie, a defeat, challenging circumstances, rumors, or a wrong done to you. These things have kept you down in the dirt, feeling as if a chain has been hanging around your neck.
Just like the prophet Isaiah proclaimed, “Shake it off!”
It’s no longer time to play the blame game but take action ourselves by rising up.
2024 doesn’t have to mirror the past. You can live in the freedom and peace that God designed for you.
Imagine a dog stumbling upon a ditch full of water. Do you know the first thing that a dog does upon emerging from the water? It shakes off all the water weighing down its fur.
Better yet, think of a lion that sleeps on the ground all night. When it’s time to rise, it gets up and shakes off the dust.
It’s time for you to get up! It’s time for you to shake off the things that have been weighing you down. When something else comes trying to bring you back down, don’t let it settle; immediately shake it off!
Wow, can you believe it is 2024?! Such great and exciting things are ahead of us this year.
Today marks our first Monday Motivator of the year, and many more to come.
In this Monday Motivator, I wanted to talk about a scripture that has been on my heart.
Isaiah 53:1 says, “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?”
Those who believe the report of the Lord are the ones who will see the arm of the Lord. We get a picture of that in Isaiah 52 when he bears His arm before the nations of the world and shows His power.
What is the report?
Firstly, that Jesus is the Messiah. He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes, we are healed.
The list can keep going but we will end with this one:
That if you believe the report that the Lamb of God died on the cross for your sins, rose from the dead, and has poured out His Spirit for us to become overcomers empowered by God, then, oh man, imagine the authority and confidence you’ll begin to walk in this year of 2024.
Many of us have spiritually slumbered, disconnected from the truths of God. This year, I feel like God wants His children to awaken spiritually.
I believe if we do so, we will walk as the conquers God has destined us to be in 2024. Unstoppable, unshackled, because we are alert to the things of God and His current movements!
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