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Compassion
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1 First Quarter 2010C l e a r ly C a r i n g
Clearly CaringChristian Life resources
Compassion
PParishedition
the word “compassion” in the Greek language literally means “to be moved in the inward parts.” it is almost always synonymous with the word, “action.” Yet, it is one thing to be emotionally “moved” by an event; it is another thing to be moved into action.
Christian compassion involves both motion and emotion. it begins with identifying a problem, a hurt, or a hardship that needs a remedy. about Jesus we are told, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep
without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Jesus prayed for shepherds to care for the people and trained His disciples as that first corps of shepherds.
“When Jesus saw the people who traveled far to listen to Him, He said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way’” (Matthew 15:32). He then fed them with a few loaves of bread and some fish. it was more than pity – it was action!
today we are surrounded by many needs. television, magazines, newspapers and
Compassion – god’s Way
the internet bring us face-to-face to the overwhelming and sometimes numbing plight of millions around the globe.
Despite the emotional tug of the heart to inspire a genuine need, scripture warns us: “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). it is possible to mute the empathy we are feeling. it is sadly within our ability to observe hardship and walk away.
Where do we draw the line, and how far do we go in showing compassion? God’s Word provides direction:
Opportunity
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10)
sometimes a need can “find us” even when we aren’t looking for it. it presents itself almost as a test – gauging our priorities and values. if, in the course of our daily lives an opportunity presents itself, be compassionate.
Depth
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:27-31)
Christian compassion does not thrive on rewards and appreciation. rather, it recognizes a need and reacts to fill it – regardless of the obstacles.
Personal Standard
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3,4)
Compassion never ceases in its vigilance to recognize the plight of others. as we unselfishly look at the interests and challenges of others we are compelled to speak up, step forward, and get our hands dirty.
Divine Standard
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:10,11)
if there is any doubt as to the length to go in our willingness to act, we should first look at our perfect example – Jesus Christ. He loved us when our sins made us unlovable. He forgives our sins even without our asking. Our standard for true compassion is the master Himself, Jesus. though without sin, Jesus suffered sin’s punishment for us. While the sight of our savior hanging from the cross inspires compassion on our part, it was Christ’s compassion for us that put Him there. it is a perfect example.
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“By compassion we make others’ misery our own, and so, by
relieving them, we relieve ourselves also” – Sir Thomas Browne (British author, 1605-1682)
“Man may dismiss compassion from his heart, but God never
will” – William Cowper (English poet and hymnodist, 1731-1800)
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Clearly Caring – Home Edition offers a Christian perspective on life and family issues. Learn about the issues in more detail!
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2011Volume 31 / Number 3
Clearly CaringChristian Life Resources
Also... A Teen’s Thoughts on Euthanasia Page 18
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8The Compassionate Father
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2
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Compassion OpportunitiesChristian Life resources has grown and the way we approach issues has matured. today our centers help single mothers who are alone in caring for their baby. they are there for the young families struggling to make ends meet. the centers stand unwavering on the Word of God – looking for any opportunity to talk about our relationship with God – once broken by sin but now restored through Christ.
Christian Life resources is a “bridge ministry.” We use opportunities as bridges to demonstrate compassion and talk about God’s love for all of us in Jesus Christ. No matter what the crisis may be in life, our thoughts are focused heavenward, and we seek to share that comfort with all who visit.
Christian Life resources wanted to take its commitment in protecting the lives of unborn children one step further. in October of 1993 Christian Life resources opened the doors to New Beginnings - A Home for Mothers, a residential program designed to help a single mother live with her decision to preserve the life of her unborn child.
New Beginnings is located in metropolitan Denver, Colorado. On occasion our centers encounter a single mother who might especially benefit from this ministry, and they help her get into the New Beginnings’ program. sometimes while making home visits or evangelism calls, a pastor finds such
a case and works with the staff at New Beginnings to bring a young mother and her baby into the program.
Most of the residents at New Beginnings, however, come from the Denver area. as many as five mothers and their babies live at New Beginnings for up to a year after the baby is born. in that time the mothers pursue their education, learn vocational skills and learn to be responsible mothers in a wholly Christian environment.
so, what’s next? Our centers are looking to expand their network of concern to include education on the end-of-life. the national organization is very concerned about the plight of the aging and infirm who have limited resources or no loving family support.
Our centers engage the services of countless volunteers who are willing to spare a few hours each week – or even more time helping to lighten the load by counseling, answering the phone, folding clothes, fixing furniture, clean, serving on the board, etc.
Look at the listing that follows and consider how you can become involved with any of the following Christian Life resources’ affiliates. if there is no location listed in your vicinity, perhaps you might want to consider starting one in your area. Contact us, and we will look at the opportunities and take on the obstacles. Compassion can certainly find a way to express itself – one person at a time!
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neW BeginningS P.O. Box 423 aurora, CO 80040-0423 1-800-720-MOMs www.homeformothers.com [email protected]
PregnanCy anD liFe reSOUrCe CenTerS
ariZOna alpha Pregnancy Counseling Center 1822 W. indian school road Phoenix, aZ 85015-5296 602-285-0050
CaliFOrnia alameda Pregnancy & Life resource Center 2175 the alameda, suite 207 san Jose, Ca 95126-1149 408-249-6707 www.alamedapcc.org [email protected]
illinOiS Pregnancy Counseling Center 300 N. seymour avenue, suite C Mundelein, iL 60060-2340 847-949-4443
south suburban Life resource Center 418 Cass street Crete, iL 60417-2940 708-672-3978
inDiana south suburban Life resource Center 1515 W. 93rd avenue Crown Point, iN 46307-1853 708-672-3978
MiCHigan Flint Pregnancy Counseling Center 2710 W. Court street, suite 7 Flint, Mi 48503-3061 810-767-1262 www.pregnancycounselingcenters.org [email protected]
Pregnancy Counseling Center 25545 5 Mile road redford, Mi 48239-3228 313-952-2147 www.pregnancycounsel.com [email protected]
Michiana Life resource Center & Pregnancy Center 671 Mcallister avenue Benton Harbor, Mi 49022 269-925-1335
Pregnancy Counseling Center 916 Gratiot avenue saginaw, Mi 48602-2212 989-752-7664 www.pregnancycounselingcenters.org [email protected]
MinneSOTa New Day Pregnancy Care Center 2756 Lake shore avenue Little Canada, MN 55117-1344 651-644-3937 www.newdaycenter.org [email protected]
OHiO alpha Life resource Center 2999 e. Dublin-Granville road, suite 108 Columbus, OH 43231-4030 614-890-0003 www.justasking.org [email protected]
WiSCOnSin the Hope Center 730 W. Glendale avenue appleton, Wi 54914-2352 920-739-0039 www.thehopecenter1316.com [email protected]
alpha Pregnancy & Life resource Center 313 e. Main street Watertown, Wi 53094-3708 920-261-9207 www.alphalifecenter.org [email protected]
affiliate listing:
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associated Pregnancy services - Point of Grace Location 2223 e. Kenwood Blvd. Milwaukee, Wi 53211-3314 414-727-8177 www.pregnancy-counseling.com [email protected]
associated Pregnancy services - risen savior Location 9550 W. Brown Deer road Milwaukee, Wi 53224-2012 414-727-8177 www.pregnancy-counseling.com [email protected]
associated Pregnancy services - st. Peter Location 1214 s. 8th street Milwaukee, Wi 53204-2335 414-727-8177 www.pregnancy-counseling.com [email protected]
associated Pregnancy services - West allis Location 8501 W. Lincoln avenue West allis, Wi 53227 414-727-8177 www.pregnancy-counseling.com [email protected]
Choices of Life Center 729 Grand avenue racine, Wi 53403-1135 262-898-7043 www.pregnancyhelpracine.org [email protected]
New Life resource Center 1923 state road La Crosse, Wi 54601-5835 608-785-2377 www.nlresourcecenter.com [email protected]
Bay area Counseling Center 530 s. Webster avenue Green Bay, Wi 54301 920-433-9955 www.lutheransonline.com/lo/greenbaylife [email protected]
tomorrow’s Choice Family resource Center 912 Barstow street Waukesha, Wi 53186-4602 262-513-9590 www.tomorrowschoice.org [email protected]
More information can be found at www.ChristianLiferesources.com.
For more inFormation: Visit www.CLrevents.com or call 800-729-9535
SatUrDaY, noVemBer 58:45am - 5:30pm
2011 CHriStian LiFe reSoUrCeS
nationaL ConVentionSt. PaUL LUtH. CHUrCH - SLinGer, Wi
30thANNUAL
onLY $20 inCLUDeS LUnCH!
God formed us so marvelously! You use your hands for so many things. Let’s think about how God made your hands. they are a small part of your body, but by looking at your hands we can learn to appreciate the work God did with the rest of your bodies too.
Feel one of your hands. try to count the bones. How many bones do you think God made in your hand? One hand and wrist has 27 bones. (Have the children figure out how many bones would be in both hands.) Why do you think God made your hands with so many bones? (Let the children respond.) He made them with so many bones to allow you to move your hands in so many different ways. Move your fingers and watch how many ways your hands can move. each hand has 29 muscles that move it just the way you want it to. God has made marvelous hands.
if the children seem receptive and especially if they have questions, remind them that some people, because of accidents or illness, don’t have use of their hands. they learn to do things in different ways like painting with their feet or teeth.
My Marvelous Hands
TrUe TO liFe:CLR’s life curriculum for Christian schools
(Available for purchase at www.FamilyTG.com)
7 COMPassiONC l e a r ly C a r i n g - Pa r i S H e D i T i O n6
One more way to support New Beginnings – A Home for Mothers
Visit Family treasures and Gifts!
www.FamilyTG.com • 800-478-2719
“Precious” by David Bowman is one of nearly 2,000 products.
8 COMPassiONC l e a r ly C a r i n g - Pa r i S H e D i T i O n
Just as CLr offers “food for the soul” in bite-sized insights about Christian living, we also offer “food for the body” with recipe favorites. enjoy this issue’s selection.
MUSHrOOM WilD riCe CaSSerOle
4 cups water 1 cup uncooked wild rice
1 tsp. butter 1-1½ tsps. salt, divided
½ cup uncooked brown rice 8 bacon strips, diced
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms 1 large onion, chopped
1 med. green pepper, chopped 1 med. sweet red pepper, chopped
1 celery rib, thinly sliced 1 can (14.5 oz) beef broth
1 t. cornstarch ¼ cup cold water
½ cup slivered almonds
in large saucepan, bring water, wild rice, butter and ½ tsp. salt to boil. reduce heat; cover and simmer for 40 minutes. stir in brown rice. Cover and simmer 25-30 minutes longer or until rice is tender.
Meanwhile, in large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. remove bacon to paper towels; drain, reserving 2 t. drippings. in drippings, sauté mushrooms, onions, peppers and celery until tender. stir in broth and remaining salt. Bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir in mushroom mixture. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly; stir in almonds and bacon.
Drain rice; add mushroom mixture. transfer to greased 13" x 9" baking dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. uncover; back 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through.
serves 12
recipes
informational articles written by Pastor robert Fleischmann, National Director of Christian Life resources.
3070 Helsan Drive • Richfield, WI 53076800.729.9535 • [email protected]
www.ChristianLiferesources.com
