“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:12-13, ESV).
I almost always carry a large purse. Perhaps it’s a fear of being unprepared in case of an emergency. I try to plan for almost any contingency. Band-aid? Right here. Chipped nail? Here’s my file. Too spicy lunch? Take this antacid. Kleenex, pen, cough drop, safety pin, tape measure. I have them all!
My fear of needing something for an emergency only gets worse when I travel. I carry extra phone cords (in case one doesn’t work), duct tape (great for emergency repairs), neatly folded plastic bags, a spare pair of glasses, antibiotic cream, sanitizing wipes . . . and the list goes on.
I admire, but cannot really understand, friends who can exist all day with a bag not much larger than a coin purse. Yes, my handbag may feel like I’m carrying a ten-pound sack of potatoes, but I’m prepared!
When I leave the house each day, I actually carry two purses. You may not see my second bag, but it is more important than the one that holds my credit cards and cell phone. This is my spiritual purse, and it contains important daily essentials.
new for today
Each day the Lord gives me a fresh supply of mercy. It never fails (Lamentations 3:22-23). In my human frailty I often disappoint the Lord, yet in His compassion He does not give me what I deserve. He extends mercy. As I go about my daily schedule, I may encounter someone who will hurt or disappoint me in some way. It may be a co-worker, a friend or loved one, or even a stranger I meet. At such times, I must reach into my purse and bring out mercy. I remember that I must be merciful just as my heavenly Father is merciful (Luke 6:36).
We inhabit this earth with 8.3 billion other humans. Because we each have our own unique personalities and habits, life goes better when we show patience. The Bible calls it longsuffering. This fruit of the Spirit makes things go smoother when given generously. Sometimes patience needs to be combined with forbearance, which means we make allowances for the faults of others. Always carry a good supply of both in your bag. They are needed frequently.
Encouraging others
Every day we interact with people who are facing difficult situations. They may have their mask firmly in place and on the surface seem to be enjoying a great life. But the Spirit will direct us and allow us to see the pain behind the mask. If we have gone through similar times of trouble, God will use those experiences to help us to minister compassion and comfort to another.
“Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (II Corinthians 1:4, NKJV).
We don’t need to make a trip to a store to find what we need for our purse. These qualities develop in our lives as we walk with the Lord and strive to become more like Him. They are the result of walking in the Spirit. Love, forgiveness, kindness, thankfulness, grace, humility, peace, faith, hope, and joy all fit neatly inside, ready to use as needed. They are for our own use as well as to minister to those around us.
I may never learn the art of carrying a small handbag. It’s just not my style. But please feel free to ask if you need a mint, a tissue, or even my tape measure. But more importantly, if you need encouragement, mercy, or compassion, I pray I will have an ample supply to share with you.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
- Do you find it easy or difficult to reach out to someone going through a difficult situation?
- How has God used your personal experiences help you minister to others?
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
