Showing Compassion

Jesus is considered by scholars such as Weber to be an example of a charismatic religious leader. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We can show compassion to someone we know, but the Lord shows compassion for all humanity. He corrects us; he disciplines us; he teaches us. Like a shepherd tending sheep, he brings us back to himself. He will have compassion on us if we accept his guidance and are eager for him to show us where we are wrong. -Sirach 18:13 [also known as Ecclesiasticus] (GNTD)

Truly we are saved by the grace of God as evidenced in the shedding of the precious blood of Jesus for our sins. As Christians, that must be the first and most important fact of our faith life: the absolute GRACE of God. That being said, where we go from there really depends on us. Let us not forget what Jesus said were the first two greatest commandments:

“Teacher,” he asked, “which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ The whole Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets depend on these two commandments.”  -Matthew 22:36-40 (GNT)

All it takes is a little TRUST...

Those who have put their trust in God will come to understand the truth of his ways. Those who have been faithful will live with him in his love, for he is kind and merciful to the ones whom he has chosen. -Wisdom 3:9 (GNTD)

A perfect illustration of God's love. Notice the requirement here is trust--not good works, perfect church attendance or any other human goodness we might think will appease God's wrath and get us into Heaven.

English: Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Put round you the cloak of God's righteousness. Place on your head the crown of the glory of the Eternal God. - Baruch 5:2 (GNTD)

There's no way I'm going to make it to heaven without the help of Jesus. His blood covers my sin and makes me righteous before God. In a very real sense, I have the cloak of God's righteous that nothing I have ever done [or might do] could provide.

The Warrior

For while all things were in quiet silence, and that night was in the midst of her swift course, thine Almighty word leaped down from heaven out of thy royal throne, as a fierce man of war into the midst of a land of destruction, and brought thine unfeigned commandment as a sharp sword, and standing up filled all things with death; and it touched the heaven, but it stood upon the earth. -Wisdom of Solomon 18:14-16 (KJVDA)

A reminder of the awesome power of the Lord.