Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
Psalm 112:4
The whole twelfth chapter in Psalms, the psalmist (David) talks about a righteous man who fears the Lord and the blessings that came because of it. In verse 4 this particular verse has two powerful qualities which correspond with the attributes of Jesus.
The Graciousness or Grace from God is a free gift that cannot be earned. Jesus, sent by his father is the gift, who paid the price for our many sins so we wouldn’t have to. All we have to do is believe it, acknowledge that we needed a savior from our sins, and be thankful for it.
Like Jesus did for us, are you showing grace to others, or are you holding on to every offense that has touched your life?
Also, when Jesus walked this earth He not only identified and sympathized with people’s problems and hurts, He showed great compassion. In Matthew 14:14 it says; “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.” We see clearly Jesus felt sympathy and compassion for the people around Him. However, sympathy stops with a feeling but compassion goes beyond a feeling and responds by taking action, just as Jesus did by healing the sick.
I think a lot of times in our life we are quick to be sympathetic, but we don’t acknowledge the difference between being sympathetic and showing compassion. Sympathy identifies with the problem or hurt but it is not focused on the resolution to the problem. Compassion, along with God’s grace, is what will motivate us in helping others.
If we as Christians are suppose to be followers of Christ, then we must follow His example.
Remember sympathy is a feeling, compassion takes action. Let’s not only sympathize with hurting people, but respond with compassion by taking action to help those in need.
What action is God calling you to today?
