TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Job 4-6 chapters
DEVOTION
Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends, responds to his suffering by claiming he received special insight from God (Job 4:12–17). Based on this, he concludes that suffering must be the result of sin and insists that if Job confesses, his troubles will end. Often, we tend to judge others with our tiny brain. It feels natural to assume that people are responsible for their hardships. But Job’s story reminds us that suffering is not always a consequence of sin.
Instead of analysing, labelling, or passing judgment with our limited perspective, we are called to respond with compassion. Colossians 3:12 (NIV) says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
This is a clear instruction to
intentionally adopt,
Display compassion as daily habit,
just like we put on our clothes.
Just as we carefully choose what to wear, we should also be deliberate in choosing compassion in our responses. The next time you encounter someone who is hurting, refrain from judging or blaming. Instead, show compassion. And if you don’t know what to say, it’s okay to remain silent, just being present can make a lot of difference.
PRAYER
Lord, give me the strength and courage to respond with compassion toward others. Amen.