Passion, Compassion, and Power

A true passion for God will naturally result in compassion for people. We can't love the Father without also being willing to love his kids-even when they're less than lovable. As his children, we are flawed and wounded, broken and often bent. "But we are God's rag dolls." And Jesus made it clear that serving him also involves serving the the ones he loves. I think that's why, in Acts 3, Peter and John couldn't just walk by the lame man sitting at the temple gate called Beautiful. When they looked at the crumpled rag doll of a man they didn't see a cripple, they saw a child of God. But instead of offering the man money, they gave him something far more valuable-something we all need to remember when we offer compassionate service. Compassion, you see, is just the beginning of what we have to offer the people Jesus loves. But it wasn't Peter's charity the lame man needed that day. He needed something not found in pockets or purses or even in other people's sympathy. That man needed healing. He needed the power of God to transform his life. And power was exactly what he got. He jumped to his feet and began to walk...walking and jumping, and praising God! (3:7-8). (From: "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")