I am fortunate to live in a lovely home where all my needs are met. To serve the various interests of the residents, there are many activities, ranging from Blackjack to Bible study.

The residence is privately owned and operated, and is not affiliated with any church. They do, however, operate with five core values that set a high standard, as recently outlined in a letter that the Chief Operating Officer sent to the residents: Respect, Compassion, Commitment, Accountability, and Integrity.

While each of these is consistent with biblical teachings of love for others, the one that particularly caught my attention was "Compassion".

In the letter, compassion was described: "We are caring, patient, and kind in our words and actions to each other and those we serve."

There are numerous references to compassion in the Bible, but two of them come to mind:

Colossians 3:12 – Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (NIV)

Isaiah 30:18 – Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! (NIV)

Albert Orsborn (1886-1967) penned the following hymn:

The Saviour of men came to seek and to save the souls who were lost to the good;
His Spirit was moved for the world which He loved with the boundless compassion of God.
And still there are fields where the labourers are few, and still there are souls without bread,
And still eyes that weep where the darkness is deep, and still straying sheep to be led.

Except I am moved with compassion,
How dwelleth Thy Spirit in me?
In word and in deed burning love is my need;
I know I can find this in Thee.

Oh, is not the Christ 'midst the crowd of today, whose questioning cries do not cease?
And will He not show to the hearts that would know the things that belong to their peace?
But how shall they hear if the preacher forbear or lack in compassionate zeal?
Or how shall hearts move with the Master's own love without His anointing and seal?

It is not with might to establish the right, nor yet with the wise to give rest;
The mind cannot show what the heart longs to know, nor comfort a people distressed.
O Saviour of men, touch my spirit again, and grant that Thy servant may be
Intense every day as I labour and pray, both instant and constant for Thee.

Prayer: Dear God, help us as we strive to be compassionate. Guide us in being kind to others and sharing the love of Jesus in any way that we can. In His name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Vincent Walter <vwalter@bell.net>
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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