July 21, 2014
Compassion is a constant and universal need. A contemporary Christian song asserts that everyone needs compassion and forgiveness, and a love that never fails. We find these in abundance with our Creator, and His Son. But, those who have received such are challenged to exhibit these qualities through real and tangible acts of compassion and charity.
“you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and that the LORD your God redeemed you from there; therefore I am commanding you to do this thing … You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I am commanding you to do this thing.” (Deuteronomy 24.18, 22)
The people of Israel, whom God delivered from slavery and oppression in Egypt, were admonished to remember their deliverance and show similar compassion and mercy to others. How they paid wages to those they hired (verse 15), and how they left some of their harvest for the poor (verses 19-21) were indicators of their appreciation of God’s deliverance. Those who truly appreciate mercy and forgiveness express these qualities freely, in tangible ways.
There is no better summary verse of these important priorities than Micah 6.8 - “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” To “do justice” is be fair and honest in our dealings with others, but it encompasses more, as does loving kindness. Being fair and generous in personal transactions with others sets the precedent for the ultimate act of justice and kindness: sharing the life-giving gospel of Christ and the kingdom of God. Fairness and generosity in things of this life is commendable, but cruel without the gospel. But, sharing the gospel without regard for fairness and generosity in things of this life is hypocritical and detrimental to the gospel. Both are important actions.
How are you doing today in both of these crucial areas? May our lives exhibit both in abundance.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
“you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and that the LORD your God redeemed you from there; therefore I am commanding you to do this thing … You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I am commanding you to do this thing.” (Deuteronomy 24.18, 22)
The people of Israel, whom God delivered from slavery and oppression in Egypt, were admonished to remember their deliverance and show similar compassion and mercy to others. How they paid wages to those they hired (verse 15), and how they left some of their harvest for the poor (verses 19-21) were indicators of their appreciation of God’s deliverance. Those who truly appreciate mercy and forgiveness express these qualities freely, in tangible ways.
There is no better summary verse of these important priorities than Micah 6.8 - “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” To “do justice” is be fair and honest in our dealings with others, but it encompasses more, as does loving kindness. Being fair and generous in personal transactions with others sets the precedent for the ultimate act of justice and kindness: sharing the life-giving gospel of Christ and the kingdom of God. Fairness and generosity in things of this life is commendable, but cruel without the gospel. But, sharing the gospel without regard for fairness and generosity in things of this life is hypocritical and detrimental to the gospel. Both are important actions.
How are you doing today in both of these crucial areas? May our lives exhibit both in abundance.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 7:17 AM
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