Divine Love and Compassion – the Voice of God
“Alight with Divine Love” These are depictions by Burne Jones of the seraphim, the ‘burning ones’ who are alight with God’s love, and so, they are closest to God among the angelic choirs. This window is in St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh. by Fr Lawrence Lew, O.P.; CCL flickr
Meditation
Tuesday, Easter Week Six, revealed a solution to the crisis of ignoring the voice or the laws of God. The Psalmist identified the Lord as sovereign over all creation and the blessings that came from God as a result of the order that God brings to our world.
The Old Testament lesson of Deuteronomy shared the fear that the Hebrew people had for the fire that covered the mountain and could have easily consumed them. God’s voice came out of the fire—they all heard the sound, even if they couldn’t interpret what was said. It was enough for everyone to agree that the laws should be followed…everything that God said would be important to follow. Fear drove their response.
The New Testament lesson in the epistle of St. Peter shared a message of following God’s words, but from a different place—not out of fear but out of love. What had been a driving force for obedience in the past had shifted with the loving sacrifice of Christ to action out of love.
Jesus didn’t overthrow the government by force. Instead, he began a mission to change people from the inside. Peter took up the mantle and reinforced his message to believers, sort of a bullet lesson:
- Be at peace with others, or more emphatic—be like minded.
- Be sympathetic
- Be loving
- Be compassionate
- Be humble
- Don’t repay evil with evil (don’t get even)
- Don’t insult someone who insults you
-
Avoid being hurtful to others
Imagine what our world would be like if the people, who called themselves Christians, actually applied these standards to our lives? Would it make a difference in corporations, who strive to gain the bottom line over the well-being of people affected by their work? Would it make a difference in the wars over the earth? Would it make a difference in politics? Would it make a difference in the lives of school children, who are targets of shooters, like we had in Santa Barbara over the weekend? The accused Rodgers manifesto complained of poor treatment. He was mentally disturbed. His family had used psychologists for years since he was eight years old.
I submit that even someone, who is mentally ill, would respond well to someone exemplifying the behaviors of the above list.
On my first tour, a six foot three muscle bound sailor brandished a knife at his fellow sailors, while we were at sea. They called the doc and me (chaplain) to the scene. Many of the sailors took stances of squaring shoulders and power. It exacerbated his anger and he was wrestled under control. I spoke in calming tones and he responded. The captain directed me to accompany him to medical in San Diego. He asked if I was afraid to be alone with him. I actually wasn’t.
We rode a small boat into the San Diego harbor and to a pier where we caught a taxi to the hospital. I spoke respectfully and softly the whole time and he responded with courtesy and respect. I was with him for several hours of transit—yet, he posed no threat to me.
The power of kindness, compassion and sympathy to help people cannot be stressed enough.
According to St. Peter, he agreed with that recommendation. We may have some ‘fear of God’ because of what God could do—we could be cast into hell immediately if one fixated on a Jonathan Edwards style ‘Sinners in the hands of an angry God’ message—and God’s voice had come out of the fire covering the mountaintop.
However, St. Peter reminded his flock, Jesus set us an example—he didn’t come with a force and overpower us—he came with love, compassion and mercy.
We, in turn, must emulate Jesus and be of one mind—loving, sympathetic, kind, compassionate, humble, and not trying to assume vengeance as our job.
Thanks be to God.
All Scriptures printed below are in King James Version for copyright purposes. However, clicking on the verse locations will take you to Biblegateway.com where the text is linked to more contemporary versions.
Click on the Scriptures for links to biblegateway.com, where many translations of the same text enhance the understanding the readings, which come from the (RCL) Revised Common Lectionary – Daily Lectionary
Readings. I add a Daily Prayer to bless you with God’s Favor.
Enjoy the Daily Encouragement and Bible Study and may you be inspired to be your best self for this Season of Easter.
Season of Easter
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling – National Cathedral
The Israelites Saw Fire atop Mt. Sinai
While not a fire, it resembles the image of a fire on top of Mt. Sinai “Glorious sunrise on Mt. Sinai” by anitaconchita; flickr
Prayer: Almighty God, Open my eyes that I might see. Open my mind that I might understand. Open my heart that I might make your words a part of me. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight. Amen
Season of Easter
Mt. Sinai
“Mt. Sinai Hike” by teresasusan; flickr
Open Our Eyes, O Loving and Compassionate Jesus – Hour of Power Choir
Compassion and Kindness in a Mother’s Touch
“A Mother’s Touch” by Feggy Art; flickr
Season of Easter Bible Readings
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2093;Deuteronomy%205:22-33;1%20Peter%203:8-12&version=NCV;ERV;GNT;KJV
(multiple versions)
Tuesday, Easter Week Six
Daily Bible Verses to Memorize for Meditating
Proverbs 3:5-12
King James Version (KJV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Season of Easter Music
The Lord is Gracious and Compassionate – Bridget Moses
Single Bible Study chapter to study
King James Version (KJV)
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be full of pity, be courteous:
Compassion and “friendship – IMG_3604” by N i c o l a; CCL flickr
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
See no Evil; Hear No Evil; Speak no Evil — “See No Evil” by Tim Ellis; CCL flickr
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
OBSERVE:
Take a moment and write three observations of the verses. What strikes you? An observation is an observable fact from the Word.
1.
2.
3.
INTERPRETATION:
What do you interpret these verses to mean for you today?
APPLY:
Today, I learned _____________________________________and apply it to my life.
Prayer of Encouragement
Almighty God, empower us to be like Jesus, showing love, sympathy, compassion, kindness and aim for peace with each other. Forgive us for not being like Jesus and cleanse us from our sins. In Jesus name, Amen
Season of Easter Music
Nothing Like Your Love – Hillsong United
Help is On the Way – Michael W. Smith
Season of Easter Humor
Taking Calvinist Theology to an Extreme – Not What God Wants
Jeff Larson, Used by permission
I hope you found a chance to encounter your Creator and experience the Love of God and the joy of Christ in this Season of Easter.
Conclusion
Tuesday, Easter Week Six called for us to respond to the voice of God with obedience to the law of God. But the law can be accomplished by being loving, kind, sympathetic, compassionate and humble, while not seeking to get even but instead, working for peace with all people, especially being of one mind in Christian circles.
When I counseled couples, I suggested that they put their differences on the altar of God. God does not tell couples to head in different directions, when they are seeking unity. So, if they place the decision on God’s altar and agree to pray over it and not ‘argue’ about it further, but wait until agreement comes to them, their relationship strengthens astronomically.
I have never found it to fail. No action is taken until agreement comes to both parties. It does require both parties agree to the conditions—they must agree to pray for God’s speaking to each of them in his/her hearts and minds as individuals. One can’t lord it over the other. The amazing result is how becoming open to God opens the couple to new possibilities and removes the antagonism from the ‘disagreement.’
The same thing can work for churches and committees in leadership. Seeking agreement that comes from God empowers the people it touches. But responding to God’s voice doesn’t come from a position of power, but a position of humble, kindly empathy with others. I submit when we strive to incorporate those characteristics in our lives, we unleash the real power of God.
Go out and be ready for God to do mighty things in your life—for the glory of God.*
Thank you for visiting ChapLynne’s Daily Encouragement and Bible Study. Please like if it was meaningful. God bless you.
*If you do not know the Lord as your personal Savior and you are seeking, please contact me. A genuine and simple prayer, asking God into your heart for the forgiveness of your sins will also do.
Please like if you are blessed and don’t hesitate to comment or contact me. I love hearing from you.
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