So here’s the scenario, one of your close friends has been dating someone that you do not approve of. As a matter of fact, you never had a good feeling about this person from the start, and you tried to warn your friend on many occasions, however your friend didn’t take your advice (which is out of the ordinary because your friend normally listens to you). And as time went on, the person your friend was dating goes on to do virtually everything you thought they would, resulting in a bad breakup leaving your friend upset and hurt. Your friend stops by your place to tell you about what happened…Would your response be I TRIED TO WARN YOU, THAT’S WHAT YOU GET FOR NOT LISTENING (and slam the door in their face)….Or would it be to try to provide comfort, and let your friend know that you’re there for them?
Sometimes negative things may happen to people that they could have prevented, and sometimes negative things may happen that they couldn’t control; however as Christians we should be sure to show forth the love of Christ in either situation. If a friend of ours has a situation like the one mentioned above, we should still show them love. If someone we know is going through some issues with one of their kids, we shouldn’t assume, “O they’re just a bad parent”; we instead should be willing to offer them encouragement and support. If a person is poor, we shouldn’t take a mentality that “it’s all their fault, so that’s what they get”. Instead, we should be giving to help those who are need.
“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?”- John 3:17 (NKJV)
It’s important that we don’t get so caught up in our own lives that we forget about serving others. God shows forth His love for us and we should show forth our love to others. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 (NKJV)
So as we continue to grow in our walk with Jesus Christ, let us remember to have compassion for others.
“He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.” – Psalm 111:4 (NKJV)