What Jesus Did! 'Compassionate Children' — Luke 6:36

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

[Jesus continued his teaching on our interactions with others, commanding,] "You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate."
— Luke 6:36 NLT

Key Thought

We MUST be compassionate! Hmm, that doesn't leave any wiggle room, does it? God is serious that we are to be compassionate. Why is showing compassion to others such an important principle to our Father in heaven? Because he has been so gracious, forgiving, and compassionate with us. How can we take the compassion and grace he has shown us and not be willing to share it with others? It is unthinkable! If we are going to be children of God, he is adamant that we reflect this area of his holy character - as well as all the other dynamics of his holy character!

Today's Prayer

Thank you, dear Father, that even though you are the only true and living God, the Lord God Almighty, you are also the God of compassion and grace. Without your example, dear Father, and without your generous compassion shared with me, I know that I would not have the conviction, the desire, or the power to be as compassionate with others as you want me to be. Please bless me and empower me to be more like you in this area of my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 4:30-32
  • Isaiah 49:13
  • Philippians 1:8

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2 Related Resources by Heartlight

It's About Seeing Us!
Article by Rubel Shelly
Do you see and listen to these folks around you? Rubel uses a street person named Jack and his friend to remind us that each of these people have a name and need to be valued and noticed as real people.
No Strings Attached
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Will we help others in the same way that Jesus did? Will we help those who need it simply because we follow Jesus and because they need it with no strings attached?

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 6:36 NLT — [Jesus continued his teaching on our interactions with others, commanding,] "You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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