Lately I’ve been praying about a series to start on the blog. As I sat in church one Sunday morning two words came to mind. “Clothe yourself” continued to ring in my ear as I tried to remember which verse these words referenced. In today’s society, the world teaches us to clothe ourselves with the next best thing, that if we have this or that we will be happy or complete. Although these material things often bring temporary happiness, they do not leave us with lasting joy. Jesus is our Joy. Jesus is our Contentment. Our satisfaction is found in Jesus.  (I have to remind myself of these things.) It is so important that we strive to “dress” ourselves with inward beauty that will bear outward fruit. Over the next couple of weeks I want to reflect on the character traits found in Colossians 3:12. The first word…

Compassion.

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 What is compassion?

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

I love how this definition refers to compassion as “deep sympathy.” People who exude compassion are not worried about what other people think, or frustrated by having to go out of their way to help. They are deeply affected which results in that strong desire to be one’s comfort.

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 What does the Bible say about compassion?

“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.” Lamentations 3:22

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10

From these verses we know that God is compassionate, His compassions never cease, and from the moment He sees a need He feels great compassion.

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How can we show others compassion like the Lord shows us?

Just this week I called my sister to see how her day went. Let me tell you, that girl is a stud. Not only is she balancing college life and everything that comes with that, but she is also working 8 hour shifts as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) at the nearby hospital. This day in particular was not the easiest. The moment she got to her assigned area she was informed that all the other CNA’s had called in sick and she was to be in charge of 32 patients all. by. herself. She notified our family group text and asked us to pray and then proceeded with “the joy of the Lord is my strength!” After giving over 20 baths that day and bouncing from room to room, my sister was able to make it through the day by putting other’s needs before her own and not seeing people as what she could get from them but rather how she could serve them.

We don’t have to be working in a hospital to show other’s compassion. Our attitude must be selfless and willing to meet the needs of others without receiving anything in return. I pray I can show that same never-failing compassion that the Lord so graciously pours upon me.

The more I learn about Him, the more I love Him.

It is my prayer that through this series we may #bloomandgrowforever together. Let’s make every effort to show compassion this week, friends!

bloom & grow,

Madeline Rose