Tag: compassionate

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Minute Meditation – Let God be God

Let God be the God of your life; let go of all the things you think you need to be or of the things you think you need to do. Stop trying to control your life and your destiny and allow yourself to be loved by God who accepts you as you are, in your truest self, and desires you as you are, with all your fragile limits. This God of compassionate love is closer to you than you are to yourself. God knows your pain and your sufferings: God is the compassionate One.

—from the book Compassion: Living in the Spirit of St. Francis
by Ilia Delio, OSF

//Franciscan Media//

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Meditation of the Day – What Hurts is Not So Much Suffering as The Fear of Suffering

“What really hurts is not so much suffering as the fear of suffering. If welcomed trustingly and peacefully, suffering makes us grow. It matures and trains us, purifies us, teaches us to love unselfishly, makes us poor in heart, humble, gentle, and compassionate toward our neighbor. Fear of suffering, on the other hand, hardens us in self-protective, defensive attitudes, and often leads us to make irrational choices with disastrous consequences.”— Fr. Jacques Philippe, p. 47

//Catholic Company//

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Daily Devotion: An Emotion-Stirred Heart

“How have the mighty fallen … I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been a close friend to me. Your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women.” – 2 Samuel 1:25-27 NASB

David gained fame as a mighty warrior. He also was a man of principle with deep feelings. This became clear after the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. Others thought he would be relieved. Instead, David wept openly. He expressed his feelings in a lament, which showed compassion for Jonathan, his friend, but also for Saul, the king who sought to take his life.

This lament became a central moment in King David, a drama with music written by Swiss composer Arthur Honegger. Born on this day in 1892, Honegger was chosen for this assignment because he had musical skills, but he also had a spiritual understanding.

He was raised in a home where spiritual things were important. He knew the Bible and had insights into David’s character. Honegger threw himself into the challenge, completing his composition in just two months.

In this drama, the key moment comes as David laments the death of Saul and Jonathan. Honegger’s music helps us appreciate how David put aside the horrible things Saul had done to him. This moment symbolized what made David so unique. We can see why God chose him to be king, for he was a man after His heart (Acts 13:22).

The Bible reminds us that God seeks people of principle who are fearless and compassionate, who boldly embrace every assignment. He seeks those who are ready to serve Him with their mind, soul, and emotions.

Prayer

Father, I desire to serve You with my whole being, without reservation. Give me boldness and compassion. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading

2 Samuel 1

//Inspiration Ministeries//