Posts Tagged ‘Compassion’
Irresistible
Compassion calls us to slow down, stop, and make time for people. I’m always looking for a good read. Recently, my daughter suggested I read the book Irresistible by Adam Alter. My first thought from the title was, “It must be a fascinating book about me.” Just kidding. It was a compelling and convicting book…
Read MoreI know how you feel
“I know how you feel.” I’ve caught myself saying that more times than I can count. Now, that comes from a sincere desire to empathize with someone. The Scriptures are clear and direct regarding compassion for others. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Paul says to the Church in Rome (12:15).…
Read MoreExtending forgiveness
There are lots of things that help relationships. Good communication. Clarity concerning roles. Kindness always helps. But I believe the single greatest item in your relational toolbox is forgiveness. You already know what it feels like to receive it. But, are you aware of the power it has in your life when you extend it…
Read MoreLooking good
It may be nice to tell others about how compassionate we are by using Twitter or Facebook, but it’s ultimately our actions that make the difference. The idea of “looking good” seems to be a bigger value than “being good.” Why is that? Part of the answer is that many of us have not taken…
Read MoreGoose egg
First Corinthians 13 is a chapter in the New Testament that is not understood nearly as well as people think. It’s called the “Love Chapter” of the Bible. But here’s the deal, people usually read it out of context. Context is the most important tool to be used for understanding the scriptures. At least that’s…
Read MoreAll You Need is Love
At the height of “Beatlemania”, the Beatles contributed a new song to the first live global television link call “Our World.”. The song title was “All You Need is Love.” It was released in 1967. It has very simple lyrics and a simple message. Love. I don’t know about you, but simple messages are particularly…
Read MoreJust a little help…
I don’t think there’s anybody who doesn’t feel good when they help somebody out…even if it’s difficult or inconvenient. I remember getting a call from a friend who had car trouble. He called me for assistance. I have to say, I was a little reluctant to help…well…very reluctant. The reason was pretty simple. He was…
Read MoreWhat’s your button?
Everybody’s got a button. You know, that one thing that really sets them off. We often talk in terms of “that guy really knows how to push my buttons.” The Free Dictionary defines this idiom as “drawing a strong emotional reaction from someone, especially anger or frustration. For example, My mother-in-law really knows how to push my buttons.…
Read MoreYou’re not alone!
Despair and depression do something to you. The way you think changes. There is a strong tendency to be more self-centered focusing on your issues solely. The nature of depression is interesting. Here’s a quick primer. According to Web MD, most people feel sad or depressed at times. It’s a normal reaction to loss or…
Read MoreCelebrating with another
Why is it so hard to celebrate the successes of others? It might be because of jealousy. Dictionary.com defines jealousy this way: resentment against a rival, a person enjoying success or advantage, or against another’s success or advantage itself. Jealousy is a normal emotion that just about everyone experiences. But, jealousy can grow into anger…
Read MoreA Great Privilege
I’ve had the privilege of being a pastor for a bunch of years. I’ve got to tell you, spiritual leadership on any level involves a range of emotions…good, bad, happy, sad, concerning, heartbreaking, joyous, hopeful and tragic. It wasn’t too long ago that in the morning, I sat at the bedside of a friend in…
Read MorePERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY – Issues of Integrity
Personal Responsibility According to the 21st century bastion of knowledge, Wikipedia, the expression “passing the buck” is said to have originated from poker, in which a marker was used to indicate the person whose turn it was to deal. If the player did not wish to deal he could pass the responsibility by passing the…
Read MoreRESPONDING TO MISTAKES – Relationships
I’m not sure where it was originally said, but people generally don’t disagree with the following statement: “Errors, miscalculations, and blunders are the “unforgivable sin” in today’s society.” You’ve grown up with it and your kids live it in our world today. Failure is not an option. I think it was Vince Lombardi who said…
Read More