prepared hearts

compassion

com·pas·sion

noun

1. a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16,17

Our greatest need, salvation, has been met. The rest is just gravy. His compassion for us, His understanding of our need and His action upon that need invigorates us and motivates us to go forth and do likewise.


We have so much and some have so little.


Out of hearts that feel the mercy given, borne from compassion, we are compelled to reciprocate. We can dutifully pray, bended knee and furrowed brow. We can study long His word. Our religion must, at some point, be infused with action.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

 James 1:27

Compassion is our theme this year for advent. What would it take for us to make a small sacrifice and help someone in need?