Cultivating Compassion
Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Equip
Scripture: Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; – Colossians 3:12
Compassion is not a feeling that comes and goes; it is a garment we are commanded to ‘put on.’ Colossians 3:12 reminds us that because we are ‘elect of God, holy and beloved,’ we have a new wardrobe of the spirit. We don’t wait to feel like being kind; we choose to wear kindness as our identity because we belong to Christ. Choosing ‘bowels of mercies’—a deep, visceral empathy—allows us to see others through the eyes of the One who first had compassion on us.
Who is the person currently testing your patience or appearing unlovable? Instead of reacting from your old nature choose to ‘put on’ the character of Christ. Speak with kindness listen with humility and respond with longsuffering. This intentional choice to clothe yourself in the character of Jesus is what transforms difficult relationships and marks you as a true disciple. Let your life be a testament to His grace today by choosing compassion over comfort.
Prompt: Who in your life needs you to 'put on' compassion and kindness toward them today?
Action Step: Compassion is a deliberate choice to adopt the tenderheartedness of Christ toward others.
Next Step: Identify someone going through a hard time and reach out to offer your support.