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Christians: “The Most…” – Part 2

“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” (Theodore Roosevelt)

In continuing our series from yesterday, today we will see another area where Christians should strive to excel in. This is not to say that it will be an easy task, but we ought to be aware of and practice these areas daily.

In addition to being the most generous, Christians should also be the most understanding and compassionate.  We are to be imitators of Jesus Christ and be compassionate towards others without judgement. Jesus continuously spoke of this in Scripture, and we would be wise to adhere to His Word. The Bible says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”¹ In our broken world today, I can’t emphasize enough how important and needed this is. We may think differently than others, but that does not mean we cannot be kind and patient, just as Jesus is patient towards us when we make mistakes or stray from his will. His Word says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort we ourselves receive from God.”²

Jesus understands and can relate to us, as he experienced many of the things that we experience. Jesus wept, suffered pain, he was tempted, experienced poverty, loneliness, and rejection among other things. When we fall short, he looks on us with eyes of compassion. When the woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus, everyone was determined to stone her to death. And although the Pharisees were using this as a way to trap Jesus and use this against Him, His answer and act of compassion on this woman was what brought her to a place of forgiveness.³ When we suffer or experience difficult seasons in life, Jesus understands and comforts us. In the same way, we are to look on others with compassion and understanding. We never know who God is going to bring to Himself through the compassion we demonstrate towards them.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for your understanding and compassion towards me. I fail often and fall short of your glory, but you surround me with your grace and bring me to a place of renewed intimacy with you. I pray that you would give me a heart that overflows with compassion towards others. That I would be a listening ear without judgement. Our would needs you and I ask that you help me be your presence amongst those I encounter daily. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. Colossians 3:12.

2. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

3. John 8:1-11.
   
   

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.