Devotion 9/20, Am I Sympathetic, Compassionte and Humble

Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

Unity and harmony are no accident, they are “commanded” by God! Peter reminds us we must have three commitments in our “church” and “church” lifestyle:
1) Actively share the sorrows and concerns of those who grieve.
2) Love each other just like a healthy family loves and values each member.
3) We are sinners. We hurt those we love. Show compassion rather than arrogance as we deal with the failures of others that hurt us.
We are to be sympathetic. When someone’s hurting, more times than not it is most effective to just be there for them and listen. Oh, how often do we speak when being a good listener is most effective.
We are to love and be compassionate. What greater love and compassion is there than to pray for others, including our enemies. God is the only One who can truly comfort a person in distress and take care of their issues. When we diligently pray for them, Scripture tells us that it is very effective
(James 5:16).
God hates pride, and He will take it out of His children (Proverbs 16:18). Oh, how arrogant we can be sometimes. We are to be humble. When we are truly humble before our Father, then He can mold and shape us into all that He wants us to be. Through a humble, sympathetic and compassionate heart, our Father molds us to be the most effective in lifting up those that are hurting.

Father, let me be an instrument of your peace, harmony, grace, and unity. Fill me with the Holy Spirit, that I may fulfill your plan for me, that I may have a sympathetic, compassionate and humble heart to lift my brothers and sisters up.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

I must “always” check my heart. Is in in line with what God desires my heart to be? Nothing else matters.