A Tragic Lack of Love
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.”
Luke 6:6–7
Because sin came into the world and brought suffering and death with it, we live in a world filled with hurting people. The proper response to the pain that we see around us is love and compassion. This attitude filled the heart of Jesus, and it shaped the way He interacted with people. “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).
In contrast, when the Pharisees saw a man who suffered every day because his right hand had no strength, they felt no love or compassion for him. Instead, they simply viewed him as another tool they could use to launch an attack against Jesus. Rather than caring about this man’s condition—which was serious and no doubt painful—they wanted to use the man’s suffering to their own advantage against Christ. It almost seems as if they had staged the moment. They certainly used the moment to accuse Jesus.
Jesus, however, didn’t see people through the lens of political value or liability to Himself. He simply loved people. While still following God’s Old Testament commands concerning the Sabbath (not the added layers the Pharisees had given), Jesus cared for the needs of others.
While it is important that we do right, it is possible to comply with the principles and commands of Scripture while truly caring for the needs of others. Our hearts should be broken instead of cold and indifferent as the Pharisees were, and we should do whatever we can to help those in need.
Luke 6:6–7
Because sin came into the world and brought suffering and death with it, we live in a world filled with hurting people. The proper response to the pain that we see around us is love and compassion. This attitude filled the heart of Jesus, and it shaped the way He interacted with people. “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).
In contrast, when the Pharisees saw a man who suffered every day because his right hand had no strength, they felt no love or compassion for him. Instead, they simply viewed him as another tool they could use to launch an attack against Jesus. Rather than caring about this man’s condition—which was serious and no doubt painful—they wanted to use the man’s suffering to their own advantage against Christ. It almost seems as if they had staged the moment. They certainly used the moment to accuse Jesus.
Jesus, however, didn’t see people through the lens of political value or liability to Himself. He simply loved people. While still following God’s Old Testament commands concerning the Sabbath (not the added layers the Pharisees had given), Jesus cared for the needs of others.
While it is important that we do right, it is possible to comply with the principles and commands of Scripture while truly caring for the needs of others. Our hearts should be broken instead of cold and indifferent as the Pharisees were, and we should do whatever we can to help those in need.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Keep your heart soft and compassionate to the needs of those around you and you will respond as Jesus did.
Take Your Thoughts Captive
by Joyce Meyer - posted January 31, 2016[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). . . .
—2 Corinthians 10:5
Take captive every thought coming into your mind that does not agree with the Word of God. Lead those thoughts away, and let them be replaced with ones that are obedient to Jesus Christ. In other words, change your mind!
This is something we have to be persistent in doing; and if you feel weary in the beginning of this new endeavor, I understand because I felt the same way. Instead of fighting with negative thoughts, simply replace them with positive ones. If you choose to think something good, then the bad thing cannot occupy that space in your mind anymore. We always overcome evil with good (see Romans 12:21).
Power Thought: My thoughts are obedient to Christ.
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