What is an emotion you feel deeply? One that when you describe it, you feel it in your bowels? Not in a disgusting way, but that deeply? Over the next several days, we are going to be looking at the attitude of Christ, which should characterize the attitudes of Christ-followers. Belonging to Christ brings encouragement, comfort, family, and fellowship, the likes of which can’t be found anywhere else. Belonging to Christ also makes my heart tender and compassionate, even when I don’t want to be. Compassion is a deeply felt emotion, which is why the KJV uses the word “bowels.” Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines compassion: “A suffering with another; painful sympathy; a sensation of sorrow excited by the distress or misfortunes of another; pity; commiseration. Compassion is a mixed passion, compounded of love and sorrow; at least some portion of love generally attends the pain or regret, or is excited by it.” In this time of selfishness and soundbites, may we feel genuine compassion towards one another and extend the love and grace that is found in Christ alone.
Philippians 2:1: “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?”
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Scott Maxon 