Applying the Bible Part 1-compassion, Colossians 3:12-17

God's Word says we are to do what his Word says and not just be hearers. So my hope is to help us become a doer of God's word. I am going to take Col 3:12-17 and break it down into little bit size pieces over the next few days.

3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion.

We will focus on being compassionate people. The word compassion can be translated mercy. A good working definition of compassion/mercy is, a tender regard to persons in misery or need. We were in misery and in need and God gave us tender regard by becoming one of us. Jesus weep when he saw his friends Mary and Martha at their brother Lazarus' funeral. Jesus was always feeling compassionate towards people. Who do we have tender regard for?

Tonight I visited Reta in a nursing home. She is very weak and having a difficult time breathing. I want to have tender regard towards her. I do not want to be distant. She needs compassion and I need to be a person who is compassionate. Who can you have tender regard for? My guess is they live in the same house as you. So, think about that person for a moment, think about a need they have, then act in an appropriate way towards them.

Since God has given us His compassion please find others to give compassion to.


In Jesus' Service,