Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Strength and Compassion”
Our Bible verse for today: “For God did not give us a spirit of fearfulness (or timidity), but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “Doing the right thing is often hard and it takes courage.”
Sometimes compassion doesn’t look compassionate. Sometimes, to the person on the receiving end, it can be painful and seem harsh. A good example of that is tough love. Tough love requires us to take strong actions (such as disciplinary action) in an effort to address the wrong and potentially destructive behavior of someone we love and care about. Our actions may seem harsh to the recipient, and yet it is driven by love and concern. It’s an act of compassion but it probably doesn’t feel that way to them.
It takes strength and resolve and even courage to love someone enough to do this. I read a great statement about this just the other day. The writer said, “Real love stands against that which would destroy the beloved.”
Yes, if someone I love and care about is taking an action or exhibiting behavior that is wrong or is going to harm them, I’m going to take a stand against it. But doing so probably won’t be easy. I will have to be strong and determined, and I will have to do it even though it might not seem loving and compassionate to the other person at that time.
This is what Paul was trying to teach young Timothy when he wrote 2 Timothy 1:7. God empowers us with the strength to stand against those things which might harm or destroy those we love and care about.
Speaking truth, taking disciplinary action, and engaging in tough love, are actually acts of genuine compassion, but it’s compassion with a hard edge and it requires strength and courage. Don’t be afraid and don’t be timid about it. God will enable you to say what needs to be said and to do what needs to be done.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 