To Receive Compassion, You Must BE Compassionate
How do you react to rudeness, hostility, accusations, criticism? We ALL have room for improvement; and by choosing to be gracious, you invite more grace, compassion and mercy in your OWN life!
Valentine’s Day is just a few days away so, in that spirit, let’s talk about L-O-V-E. Recently, I was chatting with someone and they said to me, “The very first thing that love is described as is ‘patient’.”
“Love is patient.” (I Corinthians 13:4). Which made me stop and realize how many times I have just skimmed right over that particular passage. Not to mention, the countless times I’ve used it while performing a wedding ceremony and never stopped to really think about it.
Love is such a huge concept, a great and wonderful thing. Have you ever thought about it in the actual terms of “patience” before? Yet, not only is it pointed out first in the discussion about love in the Bible, it is also mentioned several more times in an extremely profound way.
Why is patience so important and tied so closely to love? Let’s look at what a few other passages show us: “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9)
Take a minute today to stop and think, “Am I as patient with others, as God is with me?” Honestly, for me the answer is NO! It takes patience to appreciate those people and to live in harmony. But it’s also important to remember they’re not perfect, just as you are not perfect! The Bible tells us, clear as day, to be patient and love everyone! Ouch, that is a lot to ask. There are a lot of annoying people out there, right?
But you must align your heart with His will, and desire what He desires, which is that NONE shall perish. He loves you and wants you to show that love to others through patience.
“The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,” (II Timothy 2:24). God wants you to be patient, even when you are wronged. Remember, you are not the judge and jury of other people.
I totally fail at this all the time and yet, it’s the basic building block to LOVE! Do you struggle with being patient? Let me know in your comments below and share this with your friends and family.
If you’re looking for more spiritual discussions there are two opportunities to join us today for The Dani Johnson Show at 12 pm ET and at 7 pm ET. You can tune into the show on either your TV or radio and please remember you can always stream today’s show right on our website.
In great faith,
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How do you react to rudeness, hostility, accusations, criticism? We ALL have room for improvement; and by choosing to be gracious, you invite more grace, compassion and mercy in your OWN life!
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