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Listen while you read: "At The Name Of Jesus"1 (Lyrics) |
I am fortunate to live in a lovely home where all my needs are met. To serve the various interests of the residents, there are many activities, ranging from Blackjack to Bible study.
The residence is privately owned and operated, and is not affiliated with any church. They do, however, operate with five core values that set a high standard, as recently outlined in a letter that the Chief Operating Officer sent to the residents: Respect, Compassion, Commitment, Accountability, and Integrity.
While each of these is consistent with biblical teachings of love for others, the one that particularly caught my attention was "Compassion".
In the letter, compassion was described: "We are caring, patient, and kind in our words and actions to each other and those we serve."
There are numerous references to compassion in the Bible, but two of them come to mind:
Colossians 3:12 – Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (NIV)
Isaiah 30:18 – Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! (NIV)
Albert Orsborn (1886-1967) penned the following hymn:
- The Saviour of men came to seek and to save the souls who were lost to the good;
His Spirit was moved for the world which He loved with the boundless compassion of God.
And still there are fields where the labourers are few, and still there are souls without bread,
And still eyes that weep where the darkness is deep, and still straying sheep to be led.
Except I am moved with compassion,
How dwelleth Thy Spirit in me?
In word and in deed burning love is my need;
I know I can find this in Thee.
Oh, is not the Christ 'midst the crowd of today, whose questioning cries do not cease?
And will He not show to the hearts that would know the things that belong to their peace?
But how shall they hear if the preacher forbear or lack in compassionate zeal?
Or how shall hearts move with the Master's own love without His anointing and seal?
It is not with might to establish the right, nor yet with the wise to give rest;
The mind cannot show what the heart longs to know, nor comfort a people distressed.
O Saviour of men, touch my spirit again, and grant that Thy servant may be
Intense every day as I labour and pray, both instant and constant for Thee.
Prayer: Dear God, help us as we strive to be compassionate. Guide us in being kind to others and sharing the love of Jesus in any way that we can. In His name, we pray. Amen.
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May it be so, Vincent.
Beautiful devotional on compassion. Thank You!
Thank you, Vincent, for being faithful to your calling.
Good Morning, Another meaningful devotion. I would like to know the title of that hymn.
Thank you, Vincent. We all should show compassionate, but especially thank you for sharing that hymn.
Beautiful hymn – words that one can reread and ponder and pray through!
Thank you for that. You are blessed to have found a residence with such a loving foundational ideal.
Dear Vincent Walter,
Many thanks for another very meaningful and mindful devotional. Many people of our present world certainly do need to show more compassion to each other. If only they would seek our Lord and follow His example of caring love for each other there would be more peace everywhere.
Blessings to you for your inspirational writings.
(B.C.)
Hi Vincent,
I am so glad that you have settled into your new home and are gaining so much inspiration from it, which is reflected in your writing. I believe that you are a light for others and will bring many people, both residents and caregivers into the loving arms of Jesus Christ!
Bless you and your future devotionals. I so look forward to reading about your experiences!
Blessings.
Beautiful devotional on compassion – Thank You! Cheremiah.
Our world is so often harsh unforgiving and judgmental.
Jesus, on the other hand, taught us to love others as we love ourselves and treat others as we want to be treated.
Many thanks for your thought-provoking messages. You are indeed an inspiration to many in both the retirement home where you reside and far beyond its borders! May we all be encouraged to share as you so aptly do. God bless.