The concept of overpopulation dates back to ancient times, with figures like Plato and Aristotle advocating for strict population control measures. In more recent centuries, Thomas Malthus proposed drastic measures to limit […]

from Great Game India: The U.S. and China are in a high-stakes race to develop fusion energy, a potential game-changer for clean, limitless power. China is outspending the U.S. and working around the clock, with far more experts dedicated to the cause. American officials worry that China’s rapid advancements might outpace their own efforts, despite […]

A Prayer to Show CompassionBy Laura Bailey "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."  Colossians 3:12 NIV On Wednesday nights, we've been studying Ed Welch’s book "Caring For Others." Welch’s eight principles aren't innovative, particularly unique, or things that we, as churchgoers, don't already know. Yet, at our last meeting, we unanimously agreed that this was the most influential book we studied that year. Welch took the time to define and breathe life into words, phrases, and pleasantries that we are familiar with but don't truly grasp their meaning. I began thinking about how often I read verses in Scripture, my eyes dancing from line to line, moving quickly through the text. I understand most of the text at a surface level but rarely linger on the word choice or phrases within the verses. A few years ago, a Bible teacher encouraged us to look up words in familiar texts, not only their definition but their antonyms and synonyms. By doing so, we might be surprised how they change our understanding of what the author is trying to say to us. Our key verse, Colossians 3:12, was the verse we used for the exercise. Many of us are familiar with this text and have read similar Scriptures throughout the New Testament. As our teacher pointed out, if the Bible speaks on a topic multiple times, such as how we should clothe ourselves, perhaps we should take extra care to learn the text thoroughly. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul says that this is how we should live as God's chosen people, the children he set apart and loved beyond measure. He uses the word clothe; think about this: we don't always wear clothes; we have to put them on. So Paul is pushing us to see that these are things we must "put on" or choose to incorporate into our daily lives. Compassion is a caring response to someone else's distress.   Synonym: sympathy Antonym:   indifference Kindness is assisting or helping others in need. Synonym: blessing Antonym:   hindrance Humility is thinking of others more highly than yourself. Synonym: meekness Antonym:   pride Gentleness is a kind and agreeable manner. Synonym: tenderness Antonym:   harshness Patience is being able to endure difficulties without complaining.  Synonym: willingness Antonym:   disobedience What if we summarized Paul's words with our new understanding of their definition? How would that change or shape how we apply them to our lives? Our lives should be filled with caring for others, helping fulfill needs, putting others first, and always serving with a positive attitude and without complaining. Conversely, we are too put off or should be careful to avoid indifference to the hurts around us. We should not hinder others, pridefully thinking we are better or more important. We must pay careful attention to how we speak, not harshly or carelessly, and be obedient to what God has called us to do. Exhibiting these characteristics is challenging. Most days, it is more comfortable to put on the things I should put off. But we remember the compassion our Heavenly Father showed us by sending His son, Jesus. We can't live a perfect life, but we can choose compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience daily. And when we allow our flesh to overtake us, we can rest in the grace and mercy of a Father who is quick to forgive. Let's pray: Heavenly Father, we are so grateful for the opportunity to read and study Your Word. Thank you for the gift of the Bible. May we never take for granted being able to come before you each day with open hearts and minds. Lord, we ask that You help us look more like You each day. Guide us as we clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Let us not be overcome by the desires of our flesh; help us to flee from temptation, saying no to allowing pride to creep into our thoughts and actions. When we've sinned, help us quickly seek forgiveness before You and those who we've offended. We love you, Lord. In Jesus' Name, amen. Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Xesai Laura Bailey is a Bible teacher who challenges and encourages women to dive deep in the Scriptures, shift from an earthly to an eternal mindset, and filter life through the lens of God's Word. She is the author of Beyond the Noise, and loves any opportunity to speak and teach women of all ages. She is a wife and momma to three young girls. Connect with her on her website,  www.LauraRBailey.com, Facebook and Instagram. Related Resource: Remember God’s Enduring Love for You in this Guided Meditation on Psalm 100! This guided Christian meditation from Psalm 100 will help you experience and praise God for his unending love for you. Become aware of God's presence with you, and praise God for his loyal and enduring love from the beginning of time and into the future. Listen to every episode of the So Much More Podcast on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode! Now that you’ve prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post A Prayer to Show Compassion – Your Daily Prayer – July 14 appeared first on GodUpdates.