This morning as I was studying in Lamentations the word “compassion” I was reminded of a comparison to God’s approach with us to my approach and actions with those around me, namely my family. As I have made public a number of times, my mission is “To improve lives through growth and learning as and example of Christ’s love”. I ask for things a number of times, recognizing that what I am looking for may not be high on the priority list of others at the time. When what I am asking for becomes critical, I ratchet up my asks and become a bit more assertive, dare I say demanding, to “light a fire under someone”. This is all in the interest of impacting the movement to accomplish something. Christ was very patient in His approach to others, however when things were not being done accordingly, He would ratchet up His approach to get things done.
“31For the Lord will not cast off forever, 32but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; 33for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men.” – Lamentations 3:31-33 (ESV)
In the passage this morning, I see the what God does not do in verses 31 and 33 above. I feel like a lot of the time I only see the first part of verse 32, “though he cause grief” and then I wonder why He would do such a thing. As I read in the commentary of my ESV Bible, “God’s first instinct is not to punish, he does so only when his patience with sinners does not lead to their repentance.” God does what He does to impact change in my life. He assists me in creating discipline so that He does not have to discipline me.
My asking for others to take action prior to asserting the action “need” to take place is my use of God’s example of working to create discipline in the lives of others so that they can avoid being disciplined for inaction later. No, I do not consciously think this way, at least I don’t think I do. I have to remember that God’s compassionate love and actions are to impact change in others and I should continue to think of the impact I can/can have on others by seeking to live out my mission.
Out there in the world, what approach are you taking with others? Are you out for yourself without thought or concern for those around you? What if you took God’s compassionate approach to instill discipline in others to aid them in avoiding discipline later?
Trevor's Thoughts 