November is a month of thanksgiving. It is a month where we express our gratitude. Jesus calls us to remember His compassion with a grateful heart.
But it is hard to be thankful for some people. Through the course of our day we cross paths with many people. Some are kind and considerate while others are selfishly rude. Some treat us right and are good while others take advantage of us and deceive us. It is easy and natural to defensively be angry and write some people off.
But Jesus wants us to remember who we were and where we came from. Like everyone else we began life as sinners, alienated from the Lord God Almighty. In Deuteronomy 24 the Lord instructs us how to relate and treat others, ending with a stark reminder.
“But you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and that the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I am commanding you to do this thing.” Deuteronomy 24:18
The Lord desires that we follow His example of showing compassion to those who are hurting, helpless and hopeless just as He showed compassion toward us in our time of need.
“Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36
When we reverently acknowledge Jesus and humble ourselves in His presence, then we experience His amazing compassion.
“Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:13
It is through His compassion that we experience His forgiveness and mercy.
“Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.” Psalm 51:1
In Luke 19 we have recorded the example of Zaccheus receiving the compassion of Jesus and fulfilling the Lord’s law of restitution. In the Old Testament we see the Lord’s compassion toward King David when he sinned with Bathsheba and murdered her husband.
During this month of thanksgiving let us remember the Lord’s compassion with grateful hearts and let us have compassion on others even if they don’t deserve it. We did not deserve Jesus’ compassion but we received it anyway. Be compassionate and be blessed this Thanksgiving holiday.
Because Jesus loves us,
Bro. Hugh Folds
Matthew 6:33
