“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ Luke 15:17-21 (NLT)
Love And Compassion
How will you be able to show love and compassion to others? That is a very good question, especially to ask me. Why is that? Showing love and compassion to others has not been one of my strongest points. Showing love and compassion to others does not come naturally to me. That, at least, is a good starting point. What is a good starting point? Knowing that you need help to be able to show love and compassion to others is a good starting point. Do you think that you will, by your own efforts, be able to show love and compassion to others? Will your love and compassion for others ever be enough, or even adequate? Do you think it is your love and compassion that I would like you to show to others? Now, I don’t know what to think or say. That’s alright, you can listen. I will do that. Have I shown my love and compassion to you? You have lavishly shown your love and compassion to me. I am living my entire life now and forever under your love and compassion. Your love and compassion have changed the entire course of my life. Your love and compassion turned my life around and rescued me from a life without you. It is your love and compassion that helped me to turn away from my life of sin in the world to live and walk in a new and intimate relationship with you. You are now my Savior and Lord. There was a celebration in heaven when I gave my life to you. That is all true. That is all correct. So, my love and compassion are being lavishly given to you. You could say that your life is overflowing with my love and compassion. That is exactly what I would and can say. That is very good. Now, I have a few questions for you. I’m still listening. Will you allow my love and compassion for you to spill out of your life to others? Will you allow my love and compassion to flow in and through your life to others? Will you love others with my love? Will you show others the same compassion that I have shown to you? Yes, I will. That will be very good.
Lord, I am not worthy to be called your son. I have done nothing to earn or deserve your favor. Attempting to do so would be foolishness. Yet, you have demonstrated your love and compassion to me. You have forgiven me and accepted me as your child. Amen
Key Question… How has the Lord demonstrated His love and compassion to you, even though you are unworthy of it?
Living It Out… Be loving and compassionate towards others just as the Lord has been to you.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord is filled with love and compassion for you.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has demonstrated His love and compassion to you.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you be filled with love and compassion for others just as the Lord has been for you.
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