Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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United in Compassion

Bible Reading:  Mark 2:1-12

Key verse: “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are
forgiven.” Mark 2:5

DEVOTION

In Mark 2:1-12, we are shown that compassion is most powerful when shared through others. In this passage, we read that a paralyzed man is brought to Jesus by four men. Unable to reach Jesus through the crowd, they worked together to create an opening in the roof to lower their friend down. Their unity shows that compassion is shown through not only sympathy, but action. 
In Mark 2:5, Jesus not only recognizes the faith of the paralyzed man, but the group of four men who carried him: “When Jesus saw their faith…” Healing begins when a community works together in faith. True faith is shown through how we carry each other, especially when someone is unable to stand on their own. 
Before healing the paralyzed man, Jesus forgives his sins. True compassion looks beyond what is visible and seeks complete healing. The men embody a community ready to carry another person through suffering and toward hope. This passage challenges us to  consider how we live in relationship with others.  
Unity in compassion calls for us to notice those who are struggling, walk alongside others in their struggles, and to act as one even when it is inconvenient. When we are unity in compassion, we live as disciples who reflect God’s healing in the lives of others. 

PRAYER

Dear God, unite our hearts in love for each other and help us to see those in need. Give us strength to carry each other’s burdens and faith to act as one. Help us to reflect unity through you. Amen. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Hellen Keller

Rhea Mathew
Carmel Mar Thoma Church, Boston

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