Known for compassion

He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. — Acts 11:2                                          

During Major Gen. Mark Graham’s 2 years as commander of Fort Carson, Colorado, he became known and loved for the way he treated others. One US Army colleague said: “I have never come across another general officer who was so compassionate and so concerned about the well-being of soldiers and their families.” After losing one son to suicide and another who was killed in action, Mark and his wife, Carol, dedicated themselves to helping  soldiers and their families cope with service-related stress, depression, and loss.

In the book of Acts, a follower of Christ was well known for his care and concern towards others. His name was Joseph, but in the early church, the apostles called him Barnabas — “son of encouragement.” It was Barnabas who vouched for the newly converted Saul when others doubted the sincerity of his faith (Acts 9:26-27). Later, Barnabas brought Saul from Tarsus to teach the believers in Antioch (11:25-26). And it was Barnabas who wanted to give John Mark a second chance after his failure on a previous missionary journey (15:36-38).

Compassion is an inner feeling resulting in outward action. It should be our daily uniform of service (Col. 3:12). By God’s grace, may we be known for it. — David McCasland

Lord, help us be compassionate

To people in their grief;

Then tell them of the love of Christ,

Who’ll bring their souls relief. — Sper

READ:  Acts 11:19-26

True compassion is love in action.