Do Likewise
Luke 6: 37 (MSG) “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier.”
Have you noticed that when you are merciful to someone, even though you may not be seeking it, people look for a way to pay you back?
When someone gives you a gift, do you consciously or unconsciously feel you have to give that same person a gift? There is just something about receiving good will, endearment, compassion that provokes a response. When people have been compassionate to you, pay it forward. Someone going through so much and God has put it in your heart to show compassion; do not just dismiss it.
Sometimes we forget that we are recipients of compassion and we become judgemental. Sometimes we even think that we have earned the compassion we are receiving. You want to receive bountifully but are finding it hard to give; there is something wrong with that. It should not be; you need to be compassionate to people around you. I had this classmate in university that would follow me after classes just to preach to me. Initially I felt he was disturbing me but I just used to listen to him. Then one day he asked, “Do you pray?” I said, “Of course, before every meal!” Which was really the only prayer I remember praying consistently. Even with such a response he did not judge me.
Then he took it a step further, “Do you know that people pray for you?” I said, Of course, I know my mother prays for me.” His next statement was life transforming for me. He said, “What if something happens and your mother stopped praying for you?” Somebody is sacrificing for you; who are you sacrificing for? Someone is showing you compassion but who are you being compassionate to? Someone else valued my life enough to sacrifice for me in the place of prayer but at that time, I was not doing the same. And my walls began to come down. I started desiring to know more of God; God helped me and He saved me. Luke 6:38 (MSG) “Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to sow seeds of compassion daily and use it as a channel to show people Jesus, in Jesus Name. Amen!
Posted on Wednesday 12 December, 2018, in Action, Expectation, Humility, Learn, Love. Bookmark the permalink. 3 Comments.
Today what stands out for me is the power of listening. Just stop and listen. Sometimes, even the inanimate objects and things, the voice of the good will we receive many times is an instruction to pay it forward. Note to self: listen even to the things you feel are annoying, God does hide treasure in trash.
Do to others what you want them to do to you, people are compassionate towards you daily, return the favour. You reap what you sow.
I particularly love today’s devotional because i’ve had the experience some months back.
I found that I was always upset with this certain person, couldn’t place my finger on why and it went on for a long time until I started praying for her. And it was a real struggle for me, but I persisted and boom! Things changed. At first it was weirf because my self was used to being upset with this person but things actually changed, I began to understand and trust the holy spirit to help with communication
Thing is, everyone is fighting a battle, you are not the judge of the intensity of thier battles and instead of making life harde for them by being judgemental, why not try some love and tenderness?
Bring down the tone of your voice where necessary, keep that sarcastic comment to yourself, try not to joke about serious matters and pray more for the people around you
Prayer indeed changes things but it ultimately changes you.
Shalom ooo