Compassion

Compassion

The Christian community that received the letter of Hebrews experienced hardship early in their faith. They were persecuted, publicly shamed, and had their property confiscated. But in the midst of these hardships, they stood side by side with their brothers and sisters in prison, joyfully facing persecution because they knew they had a lasting inheritance in

Christ (Hebrews 10:32–34). Now, in today’s verse, they are being reminded to do that once again: to show compassion for the church, not simply through felt emotion, but through emotion put into action.

Living behind metal bars is not something many of us have experienced, but we know that there are many brothers and sisters who are in prison for their faith. Sometimes we are so far removed from their suffering that it can be easy to forget them, but we must remember them as if we were in prison and suffering persecution together. Take a second and put yourself in their shoes; God is calling us to remember them, not just with our prayers, but with our actions. Will you act in compassion for them today?