Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. Acts 3:7
We were reminded in this weekend's sermon that "the measure of our compassion is not how we feel, but what we do." This teaching is poignant. After all, if we observe needs around us but do nothing to help meet them, we are not genuinely compassionate, are we? Over the past few days, we have discussed the importance of seeing the needs around us, whether physical or spiritual and recognizing the resources we have to help. We cannot stop there, however. If we are truly compassionate, we must do something with our gifts, talents, and resources to help meet those needs.
We've been studying Acts chapter 3 this week. In this chapter, Peter and John saw a need, a man unable to walk who needed money to survive. They recognized that while they did not have silver or gold, they had the Holy Spirit's power to bring healing to this man and were willing to share the gifts the Holy Spirit had given them to help this man. After all of these things, they put their compassion into action. Verse 7 tells us that "Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. As he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened" (verse 7). The man began "walking, leaping, and praising God" (verse 8). They saw this man in need and did something about it through the Holy Spirit's power.
It is simply not enough to feel compassion. True compassion acts. Genuine compassion does something about the needs around us. So how can you follow the example of Jesus and the Holy Spirit and put your compassion into action today?
Moving toward action
As you go about your day, continue to observe the needs around you, whether they are physical or spiritual. As you notice these needs, your challenge today is to help meet them. For example, if someone is lonely, take them out for a meal and spend time with them. If someone is struggling financially, send them a gas card or a gift card to the grocery store. If someone needs the hope of Jesus, share your two-minute story with them and the Bridge Diagram, inviting them to follow Jesus. Let's be people who show our compassion not by what we feel but by what we do.
Acts 3:7-11 (NLT)
"Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! 11 They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and "
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