12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12, NIV)
Whenever I turn to news media these days, it seems like I keep hearing the phrase “in these uncertain times.” Everybody is saying it . . . all the time. Of course I recognize that we are living in what could rightly be called uncertain times, probably the most uncertain of our lives. But one thing that bothers me about “these uncertain times” is what feels almost like an attempt to minimize the pain and disruption that many people are experiencing right now. Yes, there is no doubt people are feeling uncertainty. But many are feeling far worse. Some are dealing with the certainty of being painfully sick. Countless of us are feeling intense loneliness, confusing disruption, or toxic cabin fever. So these are not just “uncertain times.” They are also painful times, distressing times, sad times, frightening times, and so much more. “Uncertain times” is an inadequate description. Moreover, “uncertain times” feels like something coined by people living with considerable privilege, people who haven’t lost their jobs, who aren’t worried about their health, whose loved ones are well, and who are relatively comfortable. The worst thing in their lives is uncertainty. I recognize that I am one of these people, at least so far. Most of the negative feelings I have are due to uncertainty and related anxiety. I need to remember that millions of others are struggling with much worse, and I want to be compassionate. The uncertainty we are feeling could actually help us be more compassionate, not less. After all, millions of people live with significant uncertainty in all times. I’m thinking of those who are poor or powerless, people whose lives are regularly disrupted or devastated by things beyond their control. Compassion for others is not extra credit for Christians. Take Colossians 3:12, for example: “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” As God’s chosen people, because of His grace in Christ, the first thing we’re to put on is “compassion.” The original language is even more powerful. It says that we’re to clothe ourselves with “a heart of compassion.” This isn’t simply a matter of appearing to care for others. Rather, it’s having our heart moved by the sufferings of others and the acting on that empathy. So, yes, we do live “in these uncertain times.” But may our hearts be open to what others are experiencing, especially those for whom these times are far worse than merely uncertain. May our prayers and our actions reflect our compassion. May our own uncertainty help us understand more deeply what many people feel all the time. Perhaps through “these uncertain times,” God is opening our hearts to others in brand new ways. Gracious God, we do live in what feels like “uncertain times.” May our compassion be stirred up. And may we discover how we can pray for and serve those who are hurting these days. Comments are closed.
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