Tag Archives: tools for family peace and harmony

December 12
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“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8, NIV)

Whether in the human family into which we were born, or the spiritual family of God into which we both chose and were chosen; success depends on: (4) Showing compassion.

Nothing dries-up the wells of compassion faster than the notion that a person in trouble — or a troubled person, for that matter — deserves whatever it is that’s got them by the throat. The fact of the matter is that at one time or another, we’ve all been in a tough spot; and we’ve greatly appreciated it when someone — anyone — has been moved to give us a hand-up, or a hand-out.

Many of us are only a few bad decisions away from poverty. All of us are only a heartbeat away from death. An honest look at our common, fragile condition may yet open again the wells of compassion.  – Luther

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December 11
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Uncategorized Aside

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8, NIV)

Whether in the human family into which we were born, or the spiritual family of God into which we both chose and were chosen; success depends on: (3) Displaying love for one another.
 
Arguably the best-known description of what love is — and is not — is found in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13: Love is patient; it is kind; love does not envy; it does not strut; it is not proud; love does not force itself on others; it isn’t always “me first”; it doesn’t fly off the handle; love doesn’t keep score of the offenses of others; it doesn’t revel when others grovel. . . (Credit: New International Version and The Message translations)

Love is as love does.  – Luther

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December 10
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Uncategorized Aside
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8, NIV)

Whether in the human family into which we were born, or the spiritual family of God into which we both chose and were chosen; success depends on: (2) Showing sympathy for each other.

“Sympathy is two hearts tugging at one load,” wrote American clergyman Charles Henry Parkhurst (1842-1933).

Sometimes, sympathy requires time, because the need of the moment may be an open ear to a long story. Sometimes, sympathy requires presence, because the need of the moment may be physical evidence that they have not been abandoned. Sometimes, sympathy requires that we share our treasure, because the need of the moment may be shelter, food, or warm clothing.

Few of us will really know the pain or the suffering that others endure, but any one of us can stand with others in their suffering and pain.  – Luther

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