THE GIFT OF COMPASSION

THE GIFT OF COMPASSION

WHEN JOB LOST NEARLY EVERYTHING he had–his children, his possessions, his reputation, and his health–that’s when he needed his wife to step in and give him her unconditional support.  But this is what he got: “Then his wife said to him ‘Do you still hold fast to your integrity?  Curse God and die!”‘ (Job 2:8,9).  These were obviously not the words Job needed to hear from his wife.

Don’t leave your spouse alone to deal with his own personal tragedies.  Whatever he is facing, he needs you to face it with him.  He needs your compassionate, consistent, and tireless belief in him.  It’s in these moments when you will experience what Proverbs 18:21 teaches, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”    Your words have enormous power in the life of your spouse.  Find ways to use your words to encourage his faith, not his unbelief.

Talk about the context of his life and together gain an understanding of what has shaped him.  The more you fully grasp the context of your mate’s journey to adulthood–and express compassion for where he has been–the more freedom he will feel to pour out his heart.  Remember that parents, coaches, teachers, ears, siblings, and other significant people gave him a personal heritage of either success or failure.

Tell him that you are unlike those who have rejected him, your commitment is unwavering and your love is consistent.  In this climate of compassion and patience, he will begin to feel free to take risks and to move ahead without fear of rejection.

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NOTE:  This article is from the book Family Life and Marriage Bible.