Becoming Like Christ in Patience and Compassion

We urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. — 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Jesus acted with great compassion toward many people.

With the masses of people, Jesus showed great love and concern. Even at those times when He went away for a rest and the crowds followed, Jesus was not angry or impatient. Instead, at one point, when Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So He began teaching them many things. — Mark 6:34

Jesus knew people’s needs, and He responded accordingly. At times He spoke warning to the disciples, for they would soon carry great responsibility. And He spoke the harsh truth to the Pharisees about their self-righteousness.

Paul wrote that God’s people need to care about one another. Many times compassion is the key — we need to encourage the timid and take care of the weak. We need to pray for wisdom to respond correctly with the right words at the right time.

God’s Promise to Me

• You can learn to love others and have compassion just as I have compassion for those in need.

My Prayer to God

Father, give me the kind of compassion that is like Yours. When I reach out to help others, may they see You.

Excerpted with permission from Once-a-Day Bible Promises Devotional, copyright Zondervan.

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