Word of The Week is "Empathy" (Post #30)

"I believe that there are some relationships in our lives not because they give us what we want.  Rather, they teach us what we need."

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So, the Wednesday Word for this Week is EMPATHY!

Luke 6:36, “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”(NLT)

I think that we all have specific relationships that test us more than others.  Individuals who are in our lives for what appear to be no other purpose, other than to keep us close to Jesus. 

I think it’s fair to say that these aren’t your favorite relationships and you’re probably not overjoyed by them.  However, if our God is a Romans 8:28 type of a God, then we have to ask, exactly why do these relationships exist?  In other words, what do I have to gain from a bond that seemingly tears me down, more than it builds me up? 

Well, here’s my 2 cents.  I believe that there are some relationships in our lives not because they give us what we want.  Rather, they teach us what we need.

Don’t believe me?  Watch this.

Here’s a hard fact: we are all imperfect people and our imperfections are undeniable.  To our credit, there are some areas where we’ve made improvements on our own; however, there are a host of other areas were our desired change came only through the helpful assistance of others. 

Basically speaking, there are some improvements that have been made in our lives that have only been achieved by someone else’s willingness to help us out. 

Now, contrary to your own popular belief, allow me to tell you that some of your struggles (and mine as well) were a handful.  I know you’re glad these helpful people were available to you; however, you need to know that you were definitely a challenge for them to endure.  Yes, you needed a second chance and even some other chances.  You needed grace and mercy.  You needed patience and a friend.  Your change was on the way; however, if you were ever going to see it, you desperately needed someone to show you some sincere compassion.

Fact is, I’m a better man because of the mercy of others.  I’m more effective in life because of their willingness to work with me, even when I was hard to work with.  I can’t honestly understand why they’d do such a gracious thing for me.  However, I am extremely thankful for their kindness.  I didn’t deserve their patience; nonetheless, I’m better because they were.

So, here’s what I’m learning to do.  When I’m dealing with my “difficult” few, I remind myself of the times when people dealt with a difficult me.   I stop and remind myself that if it wasn’t for the mercy of the merciful, I’d still be a mess. 

I thank you God for teaching me that they need mercy, and I need become merciful.

Your thoughts?  Inspired?  Upset?  Agree?  Disagree?  Let me know below.  Peace and love family.

Imperfectly,

​Kevin D. Jones, Sr.
@imperfection360