25/01/2026
Romans 2:6, 14–16
A Compassionate Heart
From Romans chapter 2, verses 6 and 14 through 16, we are reminded that God judges according to the secrets of the heart. He is not impressed with outward appearances, religious formalities, or what looks good to others. God looks beyond the exterior—He looks at the heart.
Man, however, has a tendency to praise himself or others for obedience to the law, for outward righteousness, or for what can be seen. But Paul makes it clear: true praise must come from God, not from men.
Paul himself did not falter—he persevered. He did not give up, because he had a compassionate heart. Compassionate love puts others first. Paul did not operate out of his own feelings, but out of deep concern for the spiritual well-being of others.
In Christian ministry, those who bring us the greatest joy can also bring us the greatest sorrow—and this is exactly what Paul was experiencing. He wrote a very stern letter to the church, not out of anger, but out of anguish of heart and genuine love. His desire was obedience to the Word of God, discipline where needed, and ultimately the restoration of purity and peace within the church.
That same desire must exist within us today. Love in the church must be shown through a compassionate heart—a heart that is pure, sincere, and filled with God’s love.
Paul did not fail because he truly believed what he taught. He understood that love and forgiveness go hand in hand, and from them flows encouragement among God’s people. Where love and forgiveness are present, encouragement naturally follows.
So the question becomes personal:
Are you? Am I? Is the church as a whole truly showing God’s love, forgiveness, and encouragement to those we encounter every day?
Some are family members. Some are friends. Some are people we run into on the street, at lunch, or at the senior center. Most are people we don’t even know—but God places them in front of us wherever we go.
Let us be the kind of church that causes people to ask, “You’re different—what makes you that way?” When they ask, the door is open for our testimony. Not only one that is spoken, but one that is visible—seen in genuine love, felt through forgiveness, and heard through words of encouragement.
We live with joy and excitement, knowing that one day heaven will reign fully in our lives. Until then, let us live as the church—with hearts that reflect the love of Christ.
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Dear Father,
As we go through this world, wherever we turn we see clear evidence of moral breakdown in our society. We belong to a stubborn and sinful race, yet we all know what is right. But knowing what is right is not enough—we must also live it, walking according to Your will and not our own.
Forgive us, Lord, for our selfishness. In these coming days, when we may be confined to our homes because of the weather, draw us into constant communion with You through prayer. Help us to reflect on what we know is right and to set our feet firmly on the path that leads to a moral and spiritual life.
We depend upon the Holy Spirit within us to convict us, discipline us, and counsel us in the days ahead. We praise You and give You all honor and glory, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Pastor Jim and Susan Nance