The word for this week is "pity". It is found only once in the KJV New Testament. Matthew 18:23-23:
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? KJV
This is the greek word "eleeo". Strong's Concordance says: compassionate, by word of deed, especially by divine grace. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to have mercy on, to succor the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to have mercy, to show kindness, by beneficence or assistance, also translated 'have compassion'. The Theological Dictionary says: the attitude that God requires of us. Denotes kindness owed in mututal relationships. God's gracious faithfulness. In the Scripture reference above, the word is referring to how God forgave the debt of the wicked servant, who was not wanting to grant that same forgiveness to one who owed him. The LORD expects US to give to others with the same 'measure' as He gives to us! Sometimes we think of pity as feeling sad or sorry for the predicament of another, when actually it is an active DOING of the showing of compassion, treating others as precious and valuable, as they are in the Lord's sight and should be in ours! I really LOVE how one little Word can open up so many new things to learn about our GREAT GOD! HE always see us through those eyes of mercy and compassion and LOVE! Here is Hillsong with "Mighty To Save":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
