WINNERS AND LOSERS

WINNERS AND LOSERS

READ:
1 Peter 3:8-12

In lowliness of mind let each
esteem others better than
himself.  -Philippians 2:3

As the NFL playoff game ended and the Green Bay Packers celebrated their victory over the Chicago Bears, my daughter Lisa noticed that her little girl, 4-year-old Eliana, was crying.  That seemed odd, since neither of Eliana's parents particularly cared who won the game.

When Lisa asked Eliana why she was crying, she said, "I feel sorry for the Bears.  They look so said."

Can we learn something from a preschooler about compassion?  In a world where winning is so important and losers get rejected, forgotten, and maligned, we need this reminder:  People need compassion.  When we see others struggling with a loss are we willing to shed tears with them, put our arms around them, and offer to help?

A number of Scripture passages challenge us to treat others with compassion.  Philippians 2:1-3 tells us to think of others above ourselves, looking out for their interests-not just ours.  First Peter 3:8-12 reminds us that compassion means treating others "as brother," and Colossians 3:12-15 says that mercy, kindness, and humility are marks of those God has redeemed.

Look around you.  See anyone going through a difficult loss?  Go beyond feeling bad for them.  Reach out with compassion and God's love. -Dave Branon

Lord, grant me a heart of compassion
So burdened for other's needs,
That I will show them Your mercy
In attitudes, words, and deeds. -Fitzhugh
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One measure of our likeness of Christ is our
sensitivity to the suffering of others.

INSIGHT
Lex talionis is the term given to the judicial concept of an eye for an eye.  This idea is presented several times in Old Testament law (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21).  In today's passage, Peter addresses this type of attitude, echoing the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount about the proper response to those who harm us.  There, Jesus presented a deeper intent of teh law (see Matthew 5:27-28, 33-34, 38-39, 43-44).  While Christians are called to live in gentleness and meekness, there is  a time and a place to resist, with boldness, the works and deeds of evil people.

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace