Don’t Do Compassion, Be Compassionate

The Beatitudes contain the teachings of Jesus, guiding us on how to live a fulfilling life. It's worth noting that they are not called "do" attitudes. In other words, Jesus' words here encourage us to aspire to become certain qualities, not just perform certain actions. In today's Christian culture, many of us tend to prioritize "doing something" rather than "becoming something."

Keeping this in mind, let's look at the statement that tells us we are blessed when we show mercy. In theology class, we were taught that mercy means "not receiving the punishment we deserve." While that definition holds some truth, it removes the emotional aspect from the word's true meaning. Jesus, in the Beatitudes, refers to mercy as showing compassion towards others. Compassion necessitates empathizing with their emotions and standing alongside them as we extend our support. According to our Lord, we are blessed (MORE than happy!) when we choose to empathize with people's feelings and love them in this manner.

Naturally, showing compassion doesn't come easily to many of us. It's not our instinctive response. However, as we strive to grow spiritually, we can ascend to “higher ground” by recognizing the immense compassion we have received from the Father. The more we comprehend the mercy and compassion He has shown us, the more mercy and compassion we can extend to others.

It's important to understand that we cannot give what we do not comprehend or acknowledge within ourselves. Jesus emphasizes that we cannot receive more mercy until we have given it away. This principle aligns with the well-known statement from Galatians 6:7, "You reap what you sow."

Therefore, if you desire to receive compassion, show compassion. If you aim to demonstrate mercy, you need to deepen your understanding of the abundant mercy you have personally experienced.

Today, I challenge you to spend five minutes meditating on the compassion and mercy of God in your life. Reflect on the instances where He has demonstrated mercy towards you. Then consider how you can extend that same mercy to others.

Reflective Questions

1. Is it easy or difficult for you to be compassionate? What would it take for you to become more compassionate?
2. When was a time in your life when you truly experienced the mercy of God? What were the circumstances surrounding it? How did you feel after receiving it?
3. When was a time in your life when you extended mercy to someone else? How did you feel after offering it?

Memory Verse

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:7 NKJV

Prayer

Dear God, I am thankful that your mercies are new every morning. Help me to set aside time each day to meditate on the Your compassion and mercy. And in turn, help me to be more compassionate to others.

Related Scriptures

Proverbs 11:17; Matthew 18:33; James 2:13; Psalm 41:1–4; Ephesians 4:32; II Samuel 22:26; James 3:17