From: Beverly French [frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us]
Sent: Sunday, December 12, 2004 6:44 AM
To: Heritage
Subject: December 12th Greetings

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."  Matthew 5:16

Last week we looked into our walk as Believers especially in this season of Christmas.  We are not left to guess just how we should conduct ourselves before men for Christ Jesus is our example!  It is He who said in Matthew 11:29, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart..."

In the Gospel of John we have the example of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples (John 13:4-15, do read the whole passage.)  Here is the One they called Master washing their feet as a servant!  Then He says to them in verse l5, "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you."

The Apostle Paul tells us in Colossians 3:12,
"And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Remember we are considering our walk before men especially at this time when Christmas preparations are in full swing.  Paul tells us, 'put on a heart of compassion'. Webster's International Dictionary defines compassion as: a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering."

Is that not a picture of the unsaved, 'stricken by misfortune': that is dead in trespasses?  And don't we, who are saved, have the desire to share Christ and the way to salvation with them? What then does Scripture tell us of the true marks of compassion?

Compassion is expressed in helpfulness and burden-bearing:
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Acts 20:35,
"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He himself said, 'it is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

"Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves."  Romans 15:1

"Bear one anther's burdens, and thus fulfill the laws of Christ." Galatians  6:2

Compassion is expressed in fellow feeling for the unfortunate and needy: "Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated..."  Hebrews 13:2

"This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."  James 1:27

Concerning kindness Scripture tells us,
"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another."  Romans 12:10

"And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."  Ephesians 4:32

As for gentleness:
"And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all..." 2 Timothy 2:24

"Remind the people...to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." Titus 3:2

Then the Apostle Peter says,
"To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit."  1 Peter 3:8

Many of these Scriptures are spoken concerning the brethren, but our opening Scripture tells us to 'let your light shine before men' and since Jesus said, "You are the light of the world," that means all men (women and children included)!

How awesome that God the Father has chosen earthen vessels to express the light of Christ in the world down through the centuries!  Let us ever be mindful of Whose we are and walk in a manner that honors Christ Jesus and gives glory to God.  Amen.