Scripture: Philippians 2:1-3
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.
Thought for the Day: Rev. Loren Strait, a Disciple Pastor in Iowa, recently wrote on Facebook:
Amazing how hard people work to justify a lack of compassion. A great lesson from my dad was teaching me to notice we never have to prove to others why we are doing the right and more noble things in life. Thanks dad.
Loren’s words hit me hard, and though I do not intend to speak harshly toward others as I am most definitely guilty myself, I had a couple of specific scenarios come to mind. In fact, less than a week ago I watched someone attempt to justify his complete lack of compassion and concern for others with an eloquent display of “poo-poo pie” (I decided to clean-up my language). He clearly felt guilty, and I think his excuses were an attempt to justify what he had done, not to me, but to himself. It made me realize that when I fail miserably, I need to accept responsibility and ask for forgiveness. Anything else makes me look foolish.
Prayer: O Father God, lead me in the ways of compassion, and when I fail to do as you would have me do, help me to seek repentance instead of seeking excuses. Amen.
