Growing in Grace

In our lifetime we have a multitude of choices to make. Some are made in a split second, others we may take our time to consider. My thoughts the past few days have been whether we really consider the COST of our choices. By cost , I don't mean financial. I am talking about how our choices affect our character and reputation, meeting our family's needs, the care and running of our home, our relationships with others, and most importantly our walk with the Lord. Some topics I've been considering: Demanding my own way instead of considering the desires and needs of my spouse, children, and others (Proverbs 19:13; Proverbs 21:9; Philippians 2:3; Romans 15:2-3; 1 Peter 3:1-8) The types of books, television shows and movies my family takes in (Philippians 4:8) The type of and amount of activities my children and I are involved in (Proverbs 19:14; 1 Corinthians 7:3; 1 Peter 1:15) Mothers working outside the home (when there is in fact a choice to do so or not) (Proverbs 13:11; E

Sympathy. Dictionary.com defines it as “the fact or power of sharing the feelings of another, especially in sorrow or trouble; fellow feeling, compassion or commiseration.” Sally Clarkson says it like this in Seasons of a Mother’s Heart - “sympathy is simply the willingness to understand and validate (another’s) thoughts and feelings” (pp. 145-146). I have taken several spiritual inventory “tests” through the years, and I have always come up low in the areas of mercy, compassion and tenderness. My strengths have always been those of teaching, wisdom and administration. I know each person has been given different gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4), but we are also told the second greatest commandment is to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:39) and surely sympathy and compassion are ways to express love. This is an area I have needed to grow in for some time. While I am able to speak the truth, I fail miserably at times at doing it in love (Ephesians 4:15). I have the desire in my heart to spur