(48) Reflect the Character of Christ - Compassion

The next thing we need to do to get victory over discouragement with others is to determine to demonstrate the character of Christ. In the passage we have been studying, Paul has reminded us of our high calling in Christ. After this, Paul sets forth several critical character qualities we will need in high measure when people disappoint us and we are tempted toward discouragement.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. (Colossians 3:12-13 NET)

Because we are God’s elect, those He has chosen to be His children, those who hold a high calling, those who represent Him, we must “clothe” ourselves with certain character qualities. To clothe ourselves gives us the picture of complete covering. We should be immersed in these qualities, saturated with them. Just as clothing is seen by all who look at us, so these qualities should be very evident to others. We are to adorn our character with qualities that visibly and tangibly display the reality of Christ within us. All of these qualities have to do with relationships and are particularly important when people fail us.

Paul begins by telling us to clothe ourselves with a “heart of mercy.” This could also be translated as compassion. The King James version has it as “bowels of mercy.” This is genuine, heartfelt compassion, that finds its root in the core of our being to the extent that we are moved to action.

Compassion begins in the heart and moves to the hands. It is sparked by empathy – an awareness, concern, and understanding of the thoughts and feelings of another.

Compassion is critical in combating discouragement with others. I need to put myself in their shoes and really try to understand where they’re coming from and empathize with their weaknesses and limitations. I need to actively seek to see things from their perspective, from the viewpoint of their life circumstances. I need to try to understand how they might feel about things, how they might see things. I need to try to understand how their life circumstances may have contributed to the thing they did that discourages me. I need to humbly and realistically consider how I would be thinking and acting if I was in their shoes.

Have you ever heard yourself say, “I can’t understand how he could do that?” Are you quickly frustrated and irritated with the mistakes and failures of others? Are you critical and impatient? If your answer is “Yes,” to any of these questions, you need to pause and put on a heart of compassion.

When I have a heart of compassion for the weaknesses and difficult life circumstances of others, I will be far less likely to become discouraged when those weaknesses and failures effect me. I will be much more understanding, patient, and forgiving. Let’s clothe ourselves with a heart of compassion!


Next:  (49) Reflect the Character of Christ - Kindness