Qualified and Compassionate

Today was a full day of functional exercise. That means a lot of therapy just from the normal demands of taking care of getting ready for a trip to Denver. I was up and down from my wheelchair, in my walker walking, taking a shower, ironing and all the things that didn’t take me very long before my illness that tnow prove to be a test of patience.

That is not a discouragement, just an adjustment and really an improvement. Because what I needed help with or depended on others to be able to do, I am able to do on my own, even if it takes a little longer and is a little more draining.

Debbie and I connect with Christian today for my ride to Denver. We had the rehearsal for the Gonzalez/Hunter wedding that I mentioned yesterday. We enjoyed a special rehearsal dinner at the home of Jeff and Lisa Hunter (the groom’s parents). Jeff and a friend are both chefs and their home is equipped with a wood fired oven. So we had endless rounds of a variety of fresh made wood-fired pizzas. This was topped off by homemade cheesecake and chocolate cake. I will begin a new diet tomorrow. (Picture above Tammy, Evan and me)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all…”         2 Cor. 5:14

“… the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2

Many people ask me about my wife’s commitment to hospice nursing. Certainly providing care for those who are in their final days is a calling that not everyone is suited for. Recently we were discussing this and two words seemed to form the criteria for a good hospice nurse and really for any nurse and those are “qualified and compassionate.” Certainly after my five plus months or more in the past year in the hospital I can attest to the importance of those two qualities for a nurse or any health care professional. But you certainly want them at the end of your life.

You can be qualified and have the necessary education and skill and training, but if you lack compassion people are treat like projects. If you have compassion, but lack qualification you can be sympathetic and caring, but if you don’t have the skill to address the symptoms or the know how to perform needed task the patient is not well served.

I began thinking of how that applies to the life of a Christian. Paul told Timothy

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy2:15 (NIV) The King James uses the word, “study” in place of “diligent.”

It is interesting that this admonition comes after Paul calls Timothy to share what he has learned with others, who will also be qualified to teach others. Making an impact on others does not happened by accident. To impart God’s word we need to know God’s Word and that requires a devotion to God’s Word that equips us or qualifies us.

But knowledge without love, as Paul says only puffs up. Compassion that comes from love for God and for others helps us build others up according to their need. Compassion for others and wisdom from God, helps us know when to be present in people’s lives and when to speak into people’s lives.

Empowered believers, qualified and motivated by compassion, making a difference in people’s lives is just “what the doctor ordered” for spiritually sick world.