Compassion – Compassion That Makes Room (365/117)
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
It is easy to encourage people who are successful, dependable, and easy to trust. But compassion becomes costly when it involves the fearful, the failing, or the overlooked.
“And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles… having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:36–37 (NKJV)
Barnabas, rightly called the “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36), expressed compassion through courageous action. He gave sacrificially to meet the needs of others (Acts 4:37). When believers feared Saul after his conversion, Barnabas believed God’s grace could transform a life and stood beside him, helping him gain acceptance among the apostles (Acts 9:26–27). Later, when John Mark failed and others gave up on him, Barnabas still saw potential for restoration (Acts 15:37–39).
While Diotrephes, in his pride, loved prominence rather than welcoming and encouraging others. He pushed people away to protect his own position and even used his influence to prevent others from showing hospitality to John and the brethren (3 John 9–10).
Our example is Jesus, who welcomed sinners, restored failures, and reconciled us to God. After Peter denied Him three times (Luke 22:54–62), Jesus compassionately restored him and entrusted him again with ministry (John 21:15–17).
Pause and Ponder
What does Barnabas’ life teach me about the compassionate heart of Jesus?
Am I protecting my own comfort or making room for others through grace?
Whom might God be calling me to encourage, restore, or welcome again?
May we reflect the heart of Christ and be compassionate people who welcome, encourage and restore others through His grace.
Lord Jesus, thank You for welcoming and restoring me through Your grace. Help me to courageously encourage, restore, and make room for others by Your grace. Amen.
Extended Reading - Acts 4, 9, 15; 3 John
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