Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Strength and Compassion”
Our Bible verse for today: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” Proverbs 3:27 (NRSV)
Our thought for today: “True strength and compassion leads us to actions on behalf of those in need.”
Saint Francis of Assisi is one of my heroes of the faith. He was a great example of strength and compassion lived out in daily life. Born the son of a wealthy merchant, Francis chose as a young man to leave his life of privilege and ease and to spend it instead in service to others. For centuries his example has been an inspiration for multitudes of other Christians. The Order of the Franciscans was founded by him; the current Pope is named after him.
One of Francis’ most memorable and inspiring writings is what has come to be called “The Prayer of Saint Francis”. It reads like this”
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that I may not so much seek to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
This is what Solomon was writing about in Proverbs 3:27. It is within our power to do good to others, whether that takes the form of a word of encouragement, a helping hand, a listening ear, or a bag of groceries. As the people of God we are called upon by God to be a blessing to others.
I believe our willingness to do that is a direct measure of how much strength and compassion we have allowed the Holy Spirit to develop in us. It’s not easy to live and love like Francis and Solomon described. It must be something supernatural at work in and through us.
Are you strong? Do you have a deeply ingrained sense of compassion? Then do all the good you can for all the people you can for as long as you can – because real strength and true compassion will lead to action on behalf of others.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 