Daily Inspiration
Tender Compassion
“God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.”
~ Philippians 1:8
While Paul was in a Roman prison, he wrote the above Scripture to the church that he established in Philippi. The people in the Philippi church had a special place in Paul's heart, and he was expressing how he longed to see them again.
The church in Philippi held the same love and compassion for Paul. Through Epaphrodits, one of the church members, the church sent a gift to Paul while he was imprisoned. Their love and compassion shown for Paul was based on what Jesus had done for them.
One quality that differentiates between a good doctor and a bad doctor is how they show compassion to the patient. People like to know that their doctor cares about them, and they are not just a number. When a person doesn't know what is wrong with them, to have real compassion expressed to them by their doctor is very good medicine. The Dalai Lama stated: “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
Doctor Luke, a close friend and companion of Paul, was a person of compassion. Although less is known about his background than the other writers in the New Testament, he was known to be a humble person who was well-educated and trained to be a physician. In the Book of Luke he made frequent references to illnesses and diagnoses. Paul spoke of him as a “beloved physician.”
Jesus Christ is the supreme and flawless example of how to show tender compassion and deep love. He passionately displayed sympathy and forgiveness to His followers and friends. He showed great mercy towards men, women, and children as their Healer of sickness and diseases, and also to their broken hearts.
Michael Crawford stated: “I think one of the best words in the English language is compassion. I think it holds everything. It holds love, it hold care...and if everybody just did something. We all make a difference.” Like the examples of Paul and Doctor Luke, allow the examples of Jesus Christ motivate you. There are many beautiful reasons to make a difference to express tender compassion and love towards others.
Almighty God, thank You for your tender compassion and love towards all of us. Help us to be Your vessel to express them to others. Amen.
~ Ann Brock
Daily Devotion Mobile: Main Page