Compassion and Empathy: Day 5

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” – Col. 3:12

It is pretty astounding that God chose to use the human race to accomplish His purpose.  For every believer in Christ, we are placed here in this time and place for one reason-to bring others to Christ. We cannot go out into the lost world thinking we are better than anyone else.  Remember, we are all lost sinners saved by Grace.

Instead, Colossians 3:12 tells us to clothe ourselves with:

• Compassion:  We must look further than surface issues and see the greater need in someone’s life.
• Kindness/Gentleness:  These two traits go hand in hand.  Remember Jesus dealing with the woman at the well?  He did not speak harshly to her or condemn her lifestyle.  Instead, He was kind and gentle in His speech and actions.  Jesus’ few moments with this woman resulted in a changed life and a new believer.
• Humility:  We must realize we can do nothing separated from God.  We must daily humble ourselves before the Lord so He can use us for His purpose.
• Patience:  Patience means to quietly persevere and not give up even when we do not see immediate results.  Sometimes it takes years for a church to grow, a prayer to be answered, or to see someone you have prayed for to receive Christ.

Remember we are God’s chosen people called to fulfill His purpose of winning a lost world to Christ.  Keep clothing yourself daily in these traits in order to bring others to Christ.

Lord, thank you for saving me and allowing me to be part of your great plan. Amen.

     -Vickie Lee
ABSC Minister’s Wive Equipping Team Member and NPBA Minister’s Wives Coordinator, First Baptist Church Sherwood