40acts: The Lent Generosity ChallengeSample

Colossians uses a beautiful metaphor to instruct us on what we, God’s chosen people, should do each day. We are told to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility and gentleness. God wants us to be intentional in this – not throwing on the first garment that comes to hand and rushing through the day, but thoughtfully putting on the characteristics of kindness and compassion.

2 Corinthians 1:3–4 reminds us that God Himself comforts us in our troubles so that we comfort others. He gives us the ability to pass on that love and compassion to our friends and neighbours through His Spirit. We can come alongside others in their troubles just as He does with us.

 The word ‘compassion’ simply means coming alongside suffering – co-suffering with someone. That can sound a bit daunting, but what a gift to be able to offer someone the feeling that you’re with them. 

A few years ago, ‘What Would Jesus Do?’ bracelets were popular. The point of WWJD is that it reminds us to make decisions which are often at odds with our natural inclination. Being compassionate is one Christ-like characteristic we might find difficult. It can make us feel vulnerable or anguished ourselves. We need to put ourselves out, or, truthfully, we just don’t know what to do and are fearful of making things worse.

The truth is, showing compassion is daunting but it can be a beautiful and fulfilling expression of God’s love flowing through us. Start with reaching out to someone who’s facing suffering that you have also experienced. Fear or embarrassment about doing the wrong thing shouldn’t stop us from doing what God is calling us to do. 

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 Find more about today’s 40acts challenge on our blog:   

https://40acts.org.uk/act-36-compassion/