"And of some having compassion, making a difference..." Jude 1:22
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A few winters ago, I was driving home from work when I saw a man carrying what looked like bags of groceries. It was a cold day with lots of snow on the ground. As I drove closer to him, I rolled down my window and offered him a ride to his destination.
He paused for a few seconds before he finally said "sure, I'd like a ride". After he got into the vehicle, I asked him what his destination was and his directions led us to only a few minutes down the road.
As I was about to drop him off, he opened the car door and then turned around and looked at me. He then asked: "are you a Christian? I said yes, but also asked him why he had asked.
His response has remained with me since our encounter that day. His reply was this: 'you must be a different type of Christian'.
To me, it was just a simple car ride for someone that looked like he desperately needed it; but to him it was more than that. He briefly went on about what the ride meant to him and how he never expected such a gesture from a Christian especially because of who he was.
The truth is, I don't even recall his name, but I have prayed for him whenever I think about our encounter and hope that if he hasn't already, will one day find Christ. And for those of you who are curious, I really don't know who he was and have never seen him since.
In Jude 1:22 and 23 [couple of my favorite Bible verses], Apostle Jude wrote: "And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh."
One of the most deploring things about our current society is the lack of compassion for others. For if we truly have compassion, a lot of the current headlines or sad stories will simply not exist.
Lets take for instance things like racism. It simply will not happen, because we will realize we are all one race and having different skin tones doesn't make anyone better or less. On another note, if we truly had compassion for others, we will stop gossiping or spreading false information about someone else, because we will realize that untrue words are hurtful and does reveal our character. The list goes on, feel free to insert 😊
Kindness, empathy, benevolence, care, sympathy are all synonyms of the word compassion. And I believe that in order to truly make a difference in this world, those words have to be descriptive of the person you are.
If we examine the character of Jesus, it is evident that His life was governed by the principle of compassion. This is further confirmed in several scripture verses. Matthew 9:35 - 36 states: "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."
Matthew 14:14: "And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick."
Matthew 15:32 : "Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way."
Its safe to say that compassion was the driving force of His ministry.
What drives you? What compels you to treat others with love and respect?
I've met several people that are praying for world hunger to end, but I've never once heard them mention volunteering to feed the homeless, or finding a way to help others.
As we approach the end of the year, I realize 2020 may not have been everything you desired and hoped it will be. But I implore you to end this year on a high note - By being compassionate to others and watch the difference it might just make.
You might be wondering how you can make a difference because you don't have a lot of money, or maybe you have limited time or resources...
The answer to all of those excuses is to pray and look around you. There are needs everywhere. Interestingly, some of them are free.
Volunteering at a local shelter, making a meal for an elderly couple in your area, saying a kind word to a stranger, opening the door and letting someone else go ahead of you, praying for your leaders, staying silent when everything in you screams retaliate and say an unkind word right back are simple suggestions that can make a big difference to others.
Conclusion
As I wrap up today's post, I just want to encourage you and say this: even though there are lots of ugliness in the world right now, as a Christian, you can be a light around you. 💖
Making a difference doesn't have to be big. It can be a small thing that you do that leaves a lasting impression on you and the other person.
So this week, take some time to pray and look around you for ways to make a difference.
Quick Prayer
Lord, thank you for reminding me about the need for compassion in my everyday life. As I strive to make a difference in this world, let me governed by love and kindness. Help me to look for ways to serve others, or simply to bring a smile. Help me to refrain from saying unkind words or thinking unkind thoughts. Continue to teach me and help me be just like you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Stay Blessed!
❤
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