Yesterday I shared about the compassion of Jesus. Jesus felt for those around Him. He was moved by the lost, the hungry, the sick, and those grieving.
And we should be as well.
This morning in my devotional, Streams in the Desert
Slow compassion >>>
Those things we feel urged to do today but put off:
- the phone call
- the card
- the visit
- the apology
- the hug
- the gift
- the time
- the conversation
We stall, for whatever reason, maybe even a good reason. We decide we will do it another day, maybe tomorrow, or after we think it through a little better. The thought remains just a thought, never becoming the action intended. In putting it off, we lose the passion to do it. Slow compassion often leaves us unmoved.
Scripture gives us advice on “tomorrow”:
“Teach us to realize the brevity of life …” (Psalm 90:12, NLT)
“For my days disappear like smoke …” (Psalm 102:3, NLT)
“Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.” (Proverbs 27:1, NLT)
In James Chapter 4, James so wisely warns us not to be self-confident in planning or boasting about our accomplishments. And following right after those verses, he writes, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” (James 4:17, NLT)
And quick as wink, the two came together >
Slow compassion is knowing what to do,
and not doing it.
What is it you are feeling compelled to do today? If you know in your heart you are to do it, do it. Today. Don’t wait.
“Give what you have, for you never know – to someone else it may be better than you can even dare to think.” (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)
Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thursday and Everyday Jesus and Beloved Brews and Looking Up .
We stall, for whatever reason, maybe even a good reason. These words are ringing in my ears! I have just begun to really focus again on responding within 10 seconds to the spirit’s promptings! Thank you for reminding me of this great truth. I’d love for you to share your blog at the #Reflect link up. http://janncobb.com/link-up
Jann, I like the thought of setting a response time. It is so true – if we put it off, most times we will not get to it at all. Blessings!
Joanne,
I love when words stick out to us and make us go deep and ponder. I have never considered how slow compassion could be a form of disobedience before, until you pointed out the ramifications of such an act. The real tragedy is that God will send in someone else to perform that act if we hesitate and we miss out on the joy and the reward of obeying Him right away. Great reminder on the need to step out and to lend love with those in our sphere as He leads.
Bless you!
Dawn
Dawn, you make a most sobering point … God will still get His work done – with or without our obedience. May we not miss out on the blessing of joining in with Him. Blessings to you!
Thinking about it isn’t enough? Ouch. I’ve had lots of great intentions through the years, but yes, it’s in the actual doing that others are touched by our compassion. In the todays. Love this, Joanne.
Lisa, since writing the post, I read this quote … “When our actions are based on good intentions, our souls have no regrets.” I think that is so it. Let’s live in the todays, take action & have no regrets. So grateful each time you share!
Last night I was up late reconnecting with a dear and precious friend through FB. She is 2 time zones away from me. It didn’t matter we both loved being back in touch with each other. At first I admit that I was thinking about putting off responding to her friends request till morning. So glad that I listened to the Lord when He said Now! Then to see your post at #Reflect. What a blessing.
So glad you did not put it off. Only the Lord knows what was needed at that very moment. Blessings!
what an interesting combination of words: slow compassion. and good quote too. You increase my awareness to practice this today and onward. Thanks
Jean, you always encourage me. I am so grateful when you share your thoughts. Thank you for stopping here!
Ouch and Amen, all at once. I have learned that when the Spirit says jump, I need to act and say “How high?” Because if I let my fleshy self join the party, I will probably talk myself out of it, esp in the compassion department (since compassion/mercy is literally at the bottom of my spiritual gifts.) Thanks for the reminder, friend.
Sharita, I think our flesh will talk each of us out of doing given the opportunity. May we learn to silence our flesh & obey.
PS – I have loved seeing the recent photos of your little girl. She is just adorable!