The Attitude of Christ

“Compassion can’t be measured in dollars and cents. It does come with a price tag, but that price tag isn't the amount of money spent. The price tag is love.” -J. C. Watts Jr.

Each and every one of us, who is a follower of Jesus, can't help but be impressed with the basic attitudes and feelings toward others which He taught and symbolized.

Using His sermon on the mount as an example, Jesus demonstrated and illustrated His desire to change people's attitudes to follow those who belonged to Him. Additionally, those attitudes not only affect our relationship with Jesus, but also relationships with others.

Speaking realistically, one can't be a Christian without the proper attitudes and conduct toward others (Matthew 22:34-39). To see a fundamental portrayal of the required attitudes turn to Colossians 3:1-15. Colossians 3 describes a "new man" that is to be continually developed after the image of the Lord.

This particular passage also presents three excellent qualities and necessary attitudes exemplified by the Lord: compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. If I may, I'd like to briefly touch on each one of these today, beginning with compassion.

By far, compassion reflects the deepest of human feelings. We, as children of God need to have deep compassion toward one another (1 Peter 3:8). We might demonstrate this in physical and material circumstances; times of spiritual weakness (Galatians 6:1-2; Romans 15:1); or stressful situations.

Turning to kindness, a Christian could be characterized as a kind person who consistently exhibits a "kindly spirit." In fact, it is required of the Christian (Ephesians 4:32; 1 Corinthians 13:4; Galatians 5:22; Colossians 3:12), and can even be added to faith (2 Peter 1:7). Kindness can play an important part in everyday life, such as: wherever there may be a difference of opinion, or understanding, personal comments (gossip), or just to be a person of goodwill.

Forgiveness is a "must" attitude for every Christian (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). This attitude enables us to be willing to forgive others. Sadly, many who call themselves Christians are unforgiving because of a selfish, inward view of life. They mostly feel sorry for themselves, and partake of hurt feelings and criticism of others. It's important to point out that if you want to be like Jesus, you have to develop a forgiving spirit. There are no shortcuts!

In closing, if we are truly Christians, and follow the teachings and example of Jesus, there is no reason that we can't be compassionate, kind, and forgiving people!

Scripture: Romans 8:1; James 2:5; Romans 12:20; Lamentations 3:22-23; Matthew 7:21-23

Prayer: Holy Father, I pray to be more like You; to see and treat others with the same kind of compassion, kindness, and forgiveness that you did; and to always carry Your spirit within me wherever I may go. Amen

May your day be blessed!

Bonnie