Living with Character & Compassion

Dear Disciple,

In his first letter to the Thessalonian Christians, Paul wrapped his teaching on My coming back in glory — which we will consider tomorrow — with two sections on living with righteous character and gracious compassion. In his two letters to the Thessalonians, he included instructions on sexual purity, self-control, and proper use of passion and behavior in his discussion of righteous character. As part of his discussion of gracious compassion, he included teachings concerning love for each other, responsible living, properly helping those in need, and respect for others. Notice especially these two statements from Paul, the first at the beginning of the first set of verses below and the second at the end of the second set. They frame the apostle's teaching on living with character and compassion very well:

[L]ive a life that is pleasing to God as you are already doing. Yes, we urge you to keep living and thriving in that life!

Take a close look at everything, test it, then cling to what is good. Put away every form of evil.

The first set of verses below talks about general morality — about how to live in a corrupt world. Paul's teaching in these verses about morality involves two elements: righteousness and loving kindness. To reflect the Father's character, you need both of these. Throughout the Scriptures, these areas of emphasis have always been present. They are demonstrated as you love God and love your neighbor. They become real in your life as you live with righteous character and practice gracious compassion. This conduct means you seek to live a holy life full of mercy, grace, and love.

Religious leaders can sometimes emphasize only one of these areas of importance, instead of both of them. They sometimes emphasize loving kindness more than character. Other times they emphasize moral righteousness more than mercy and compassion.

Remember the nature of your Father in heaven. He perfectly displays both righteous character and gracious compassion. Out-of-balance graciousness or lopsided moral righteousness does not reflect His complete holy nature. Go back and look at how I lived My life when I walked among you. I displayed both righteous character and gracious compassion. Both moral living and loving kindness are necessary. Notice this same balance of emphasis that Paul gave to the Thessalonians as they sought to live My life in a very hostile culture. I want this balance to be seen in you as well.

The second set of verses emphasizes these principles more from the perspective of life in the church family. How would the Thessalonians apply these two principles — righteous character and gracious compassion — inside their Christian family? Notice how these standards are not just for application by individuals. They were family standards that the Thessalonians were encouraged to embrace to help each other live their daily lives:

Make sure no one returns evil for evil, but always pursue what is good as it affects one another in the church but also all people.

This sense of mutual responsibility for a family ethic was crucial for them in their day and is certainly also important in your day when people tend to individualize their faith. I gave you Christian family, spiritual community, to help each other live your lives of faith together.

As you read these two sets of verses, please remember the two points I want you to know and live.

First, you are called to reflect the Father's righteous character and gracious compassion in your life. I am not looking for "either/or" between these two areas of the Father's character, but "both/and" as you live these character qualities.

Second, I gave you a spiritual family of brothers and sisters to help you live out the Father's character and for you to help. Compassion and character are to be your Christian family ethic.

You are not going to be able to live this life alone. Also, others will need your encouragement to stay true to the Father's call. So help each other reflect the nature of your heavenly Father!

So finally, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus, we ask you, we beg you to remember what we have taught you: live a life that is pleasing to God as you are already doing. Yes, we urge you to keep living and thriving in that life! For you know the instructions we gave you, instructions that came through the Lord Jesus. Now this is God's will for you: set yourselves apart and live holy lives; avoid polluting yourselves with sexual defilement. Learn how to take charge over your own body, maintaining purity and honor. Don't let the swells of lustful passion run your life as they do the outsiders who don't know God. Don't violate or take advantage of a fellow believer in such matters. As we told you before and warned you: the Lord will settle the score with anyone who does these things. Here's why: God does not call us to live impure, adulterous, scandalous lives, but to seek holiness and purity. If you ignore this message, then you're not only rejecting us but you're rejecting God, the One Who has given His Holy Spirit to live in you.

Now there's no need for us to send you instructions on caring for your faith family because God Himself has already taught you how to love outside yourselves. And it's evident you learned that lesson well by the way you love all the people of Macedonia. Brothers and sisters, we urge you to love even more and make it your goal to lead a peaceful life, mind your own business, and keep your hands busy in your work, as we have instructed you. That way you will live peacefully with those on the outside, and all your needs will be met without depending on others.
(1 Thessalonians 4:1-12)

Brothers and sisters, we ask you to show appreciation to those who are working hard among you and those who are your leaders as they guide and instruct you in the Lord — they are priceless. When you think about them, let it be with great love in your heart because of all the work they have done. Let peace live and reign among you.

Brothers and sisters, we strongly advise you to scold the rebels who devote their lives to wreaking havoc, to encourage the downcast, to help the sick and weak, and to be patient with all of them. Make sure no one returns evil for evil, but always pursue what is good as it affects one another in the church but also all people. Celebrate always, pray constantly, and give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God's will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.) Don't suppress the Spirit. Don't downplay prophecies. Take a close look at everything, test it, then cling to what is good. Put away every form of evil.
(1 Thessalonians 5:12-22)

Almighty Lord, Father in heaven, I want my life to show the balance and reflect the character and compassion of Your Son and my Savior Jesus. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I want to be a person of righteous character and gracious compassion. I want to be a living example of Your holiness and grace and also Your righteousness and loving kindness. Help me see my flaws. Humble me gently as I seek to be conformed to Your will. Bring into my life people who will encourage and gently correct me, and lead me to bless others in the same way. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.