James 1:27 - "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: To visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James tells us that true religion is not measured by how loudly we speak about faith, but by how faithfully we live it—“to keep … Continue reading Unstained by the World
compassion
God’s Mercy Comes to Us in a Strange Way
“God’s mercy often rides to the door of our hearts on the black horse of affliction.” Charles Spurgeon Affliction is not God’s abandonment but often His delivery system for mercy—awakening us, humbling us, and opening our hearts to graces we would otherwise resist. James 5:11 says, “You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and … Continue reading God’s Mercy Comes to Us in a Strange Way
God’s Stubborn Compassion for Stubborn People – Psalm 78
The overarching theme of Psalm 78 and God’s ultimate praiseworthy deed is His stubborn compassion for stubborn people. Derek Kidner, one of my favorite OT commentators, writes, “If Israel’s record is her shame, God’s persistent goodness emerges as her hope and ours for the unfinished story.” The Bible is a record of our family history. … Continue reading God’s Stubborn Compassion for Stubborn People – Psalm 78
Do you feel yourself spiritually and physically weak today?
The prophet Isaiah describes people like us: Bruised reeds and smoldering wicks. Listen to how our Savior deals with people like us: "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory..." (Matthew 12:20) What are we to understand by the bruised reed and … Continue reading Do you feel yourself spiritually and physically weak today?
Compassion at Christmas Time – A Word from Henri Nouwen
“Let us not underestimate how hard it is to be compassionate. Compassion is hard because it requires the inner disposition to go with others to a place where they are weak, vulnerable, lonely, and broken. But this is not our spontaneous response to suffering. What we desire most is to do away with suffering by … Continue reading Compassion at Christmas Time – A Word from Henri Nouwen
2Cherish2Commend 