strength and compassion

As Christians, we wear such heavy and strong armor (the armor of God), but we clothe ourselves with gentleness and compassion; soft-hearted warriors. What does this look like, since it seems to be a dichotomy?

it’s the armor-clad soldier bending down to hug a child -

the stern-faced officer leaning in to hear a woman share her story through sobs -

the policeman who cuts his widow-neighbor’s yard -

the president who serves his wife.

men of great compassion, laden down with status, forgetting their position, lowering themselves gladly:

this is here our calling, this is what it is; to know with every heartbeat just who we are to Him

then taking that, our story, to nations and to towns, giving praise and glory to the God who came and found

it’s humbly serving others, putting their needs first, showing Jesus’ love to them in squalor, filth, and dirt

it’s cleaning someone’s dishes, caring for their kids, wrapping up their Christmas gifts when the parents are both sick

it’s taking out the garbage with a smile, for your wife, it’s hearing children laugh and play, and joining in their life

strength and compassion, soldier and servant, embodied in one flesh, united at last.

what it all comes down to, is being like Christ.

“… who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2.6-8

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves…” Philippians 2.3-5a

“…seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1.3