Bible - библейские тексты

COMPASSIONATE HEART “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) This verse teaches us how God wants us to treat other people. Notice that Paul says, “Be kind and compassionate.” This is an instruction that calls for a response from us. Kindness means choosing to treat people with goodness and respect. Compassion means recognizing another person's pain and responding with care. Forgiveness means releasing resentment instead of continually holding someone's wrong against them. God gives us the greatest example: He forgave us through Christ. Therefore, we should extend mercy to others. Ephesians 4:32 shows us that kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are qualities we must deliberately practice as we allow God to transform our hearts. Maybe you think God created you differently from compassionate people. Perhaps you say, “I am naturally angry,” “I cannot forgive,” or “Being loving is simply not my personality.” But you do not have to remain controlled by unhealthy attitudes. Compassion, kindness, love, and forgiveness must be developed through daily choices and the work of the Holy Spirit. You can choose how you respond when somebody disappoints you. You can choose kindness when you are tempted to be cruel. You can choose forgiveness instead of feeding bitterness. How can we believe that God created us to be hateful, angry, and cruel when these things do not reflect His character? The Bible teaches that human beings were created in God's image. As His children, we should desire to reflect His character. God is loving, merciful, patient, compassionate, and forgiving. The more we walk with Him, the more these qualities should become visible in us. Today, choose to become more like your heavenly Father. The Bible says, “Be kind.” This reminds us that we have a responsibility. God provides His grace and the Holy Spirit gives us strength, but we must cooperate with Him and make better choices. Reject every attitude that does not reflect God's character. Reject cruelty and choose kindness. Reject bitterness and choose forgiveness. Reject hatred and choose love. Reject unnecessary anger and choose patience. This does not mean allowing people to continually mistreat you. You can establish healthy boundaries while still refusing to carry hatred in your heart. You can become the kind of person you admire: kind, loving, peaceful, forgiving, and compassionate. Do not say, “That is just who I am,” when God is calling you to grow. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with God's love. Allow Him to change your thoughts, attitudes, words, and reactions. Let Him give you a heart that notices people who are hurting and responds with compassion. As you surrender yourself to Him daily, the character of Christ will become increasingly visible through your life. Prayer: Holy Spirit, fill my heart with love, kindness, compassion, patience, and the grace to forgive. Ссылка скрыта