Category: Compassion
Compassion
Sermon: Being a Place for Growth
Speaker: Justin Carrell.
It is important for our congregation that we be a safe and welcoming place, that each of us are able to confess our failings, and grow spiritual as we love one another.
Sermon: A Time of Disaster
The last 16 months (and the last week) have been very difficult in the world, and for the United States (Pandemic/Afghanistan). What is the proper response for us as Christians in the midst of such trials?
Tender Mercies
In Colossians 3:12, one of the characteristics that Paul indicated the elect should “put on” is “tender mercies.” The KJV and Young’s literal translation put it most literally, “bowels of mercy.” The ASV and ESV have it “a heart of compassion” and “compassionate hearts”, respectively.
It is not surprising Paul would use such biological terms to indicate the seat of empathy. We do the same, which is why the newer translations use the word heart to translate the phrase. We talk about broken hearts, tender hearts and smitten hearts. Here, the apostle is talking about the need for the child of God to be compassionate, and to express that compassion to others.
Paul used the same words in Philippians 2:1, indicating that such compassion is the appropriate response of a child of God who has experienced consolation in Christ.
Adam Clarke, in his commentary on Philippians, said it well. He notes that bowels of mercy indicate legitimate compassion, not merely outward action:
“Though I know that to put on, and to be clothed with, are figurative expressions, and mean to assume such and such characters and qualities; yet there may be a higher meaning here. The apostle would have them to feel the slightest touch of another’s misery; and, as their clothes are put over their body, so their tenderest feeling should be always within the reach of the miserable. Let your feelings be at hand, and feel and commiserate as soon as touched.”
Click below to…
COVID-19 (8) Show Kindness and Mercy to One Another
My wife and I were talking this morning about the Virginia governor’s shelter in place order that extends to June 10th. It seems that as the weather changed, hundreds in Virginia were heading to Virginia’s beaches, ignoring the government’s suggested limitations. So, the suggestion was made into an order, and for the next 10-11 weeks, all will stay home except for necessary outings.
This, of course, is to keep people from getting sick, and to save lives. But, I told her, think of all those who are in domestic situations that include abuse. Wives, and children, cooped up with abusive husbands and fathers, who may be losing jobs, depressed, (and the “necessary” liquor stores are still open)!
Continue reading “COVID-19 (8) Show Kindness and Mercy to One Another”
COVID-19 (7) It’s Time to Practice Our Religion
The tendency of our time is to minimize religion. For many, a self designed “spirituality” has taken the place of religion. In this view, the concept of belief in God (or something out there) is divorced from any concept of religious duty or involvement.
I am convinced a reason for this is the self-sufficiency of our nation. The first world countries that enjoy a measure of material prosperity and reasonable health care are almost always secular and dismissive of any dependence upon deity. In fact, it is common to look down upon the religious as fanatical, superstitious and backwards.
Continue reading “COVID-19 (7) It’s Time to Practice Our Religion”
Sermon: Raising the Widow’s Son
A discussion of Jesus’ miracle in Luke 7:11-17, where he raised from the dead the son of the widow of Nain. Lessons about compassion, and the Lordship of Jesus are applied.
Sermon: Healing an Afflicted Woman
The text of Luke 8:43-38 is discussed. As Jesus healed a an afflicted woman, showing His compassion and Deity, and teaching an important lesson about the power of faith.
“He Gave Ear to Me”
“I cried out to God with my voice—To God with my voice; and He gave ear to me” (Psalm 77:1).
The Psalmist’s trouble is one we feel from time to time. He states that “in the day of my trouble I sought the Lord” but that “My soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed” (2-3).
We too can be so troubled that it seems to us God has forgotten us! “Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? Has God forgotten to be gracious?” (7-9).
But, if we consider carefully, we will remember the continued faithfulness of God. “Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders…” (13-14).
When we consider that God is able to help us, and that He is willing to give ear to our petitions, we can ultimately trust in His compassion, strength and redemptive work in our lives. As the Psalmist wrote, “You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph” (15); we too can proclaim that our God loves us, and has redeemed all men through His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Truly, God gives ear to those who are His!
Click below to…
Sermon: The Woman About to be Stoned
This lesson discusses an example of Jesus’ masterful dealing’s with man. We see His ability to deftly handle the efforts of His enemies to destroy His reputation, to convict the hearts of men, and His great compassion and love for the souls of men.
