Right Motives

Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another.     – Zechariah 7:9

The Latin word from which the word “motive” is derived means “moving.” According to the Psychology Dictionary, a motive is “something that causes us to act or behave in order to reach a goal or desired endpoint. A motive is the reason why you do something. Take a moment to consider whether or not the things you are doing are being done for the right reasons. What motives are actually “moving” you?

Paul instructs you to “put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another” (Colossians 3:12). Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Compassion and mercy—similar, but distinctly different in attitude and outcome. Compassion has been called an emotional sympathy or pity, that includes a desire to help. Mercy is an active kindness and gentle treatment, that can include forgiveness. The account of the Good Samaritan in the parable told by Jesus shows the difference—the Samaritan showed compassion for the man who had been traumatized. He could have felt that pity and walked on but, in mercy, he took action. One can be compassionate without being motivated to act. 

You do not have to look far to discover suffering people—they might even be within your own household. They may be feeling by fear, loneliness, or other emotional distress, or they could be experiencing hunger, financial strain, or disease. As you pray for them today, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in moving from compassion to merciful action.