Have Compassion (continued)

Beloved, in continuation of our theme, “Have Compassion”, God’s true servant gently and patiently instructs “such an one” (who falls into sin) in the restoration of his/her life to its greater potential. The greatest potential of any life is to be restored to a sinless state - the state that we once enjoyed when we were spirits, before we inhabited these fleshly bodies. The apostle Paul wrote to the Hebrews, “Remember them that are in bonds, as (being) bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also (in adversity) in the body” (Hebrews 13:3). In other words, Beloved, the failure of one affects us all. Let us not fail to remember what Paul taught the church at Corinth on this subject - “whether one member suffer(s), all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it (I Corinthians 12:26). In my years of belonging to various church families, I have noticed that we have no problem wanting to rejoice in, or be a part of, one who is “honoured”. We would do well to feel the same connection with one who is “suffering”.

Precious Ones, in the story of the “prodigal son”, it is noteworthy that the older brother had no such care for his younger, disobedient (prodigal ) brother. This insensitive son was corrected by his father, who “intreated him” - urgently and earnestly pleaded with him to consider his actions (Luke 15:28). Why? Because all the children of God should care for one another as they would have God to care for them. Hence, if we want God to have compassion on our blunders, then it is simple - we must have compassion on our brothers’ and sisters’ mistakes as well!

Chosen Ones, one may ask, “why is it so easy for me to want compassion, but difficult for me to give compassion?” It’s simple - our natural eye is trained to be self-righteous, but we need a spiritual eye in order to see ourselves for who we really are. Then, and only then, can we truly administer real “compassion”. Remember, Jesus taught us a very valuable lesson about ourselves, particularly how we view others. He said, “Why beholdest thou the mote (small particle) that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not (can’t see) the beam that is in thine own eye?” (Matthew 7:3).

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then...

I love you all SO very much.

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy