Move With Compassion: A 7-Day Advent DevotionalSample

See: Benedicta’s story

From early on, Benedicta showed signs of unusual intelligence. Her parents saw it clearly and decided that they would do whatever they could to help her meet her potential. Like many Ghanaian parents, they were aware of how poorly funded and equipped the public school system was—remaining enrolled in it would only hold Benedicta back.

Benedicta and her two younger brothers were enrolled in private schools—but almost immediately, they ran into issues. Benedicta’s father worked as a carpenter, but business was inconsistent, and he was often looking for work. Florence, Benedicta’s mother, traded anything from food to kitchen items, but her business was barely profitable—people would often buy from her on credit that was never paid back.

Because finances were so unstable, Benedicta’s school fees became unaffordable—even transportation to school became too costly. Despite their intelligence and desire to learn, Benedicta and her brothers would have to unenroll.

When Benedicta’s teachers caught wind of this decision, they, along with the local Compassion Center, stepped in to support the family with school fees—and in other ways as well:

“My teachers also helped me in their own way. They used to give me money to buy food because they knew that I usually didn’t have money to buy food,” says Benedicta.

Although her family still struggled to make ends meet, Compassion Center staff did what they could to support the family and encourage Benedicta in her studies and faith. After Benedicta completed junior high with exceptional results, the school decided to cover half of her outstanding fees—Compassion paid the rest.

Today, Benedicta is on a scholarship from Compassion at the University of Ghana, Legon, where she is studying to become a doctor. Benedicta and her family have lived out a testimony of God’s provision and guidance, even when it felt like their options had run out.

“Life has been hard, but God always made a way for us,” says Florence. “He put angels like Benedicta’s teachers and Compassion in our way.”

Benedicta is hard at work taking notes from her textbook.

Feel: Jesus’ heart

When Jesus saw those in great need around Him, He was moved with love and taught radical generosity.

Move: Your action

Benedicta and her family witnessed the generous heart of Christ through her teachers and the Compassion Center staff—God made a way when there appeared to be no way. Although this kind of generosity is uncommon, it is the sort of lifestyle that Jesus calls neighborly.

Move with compassion through generous living—maybe buy a meal for someone experiencing homelessness, deliver groceries to an elderly neighbor, or donate useful items and clothing. How can you meet the needs of your community?