How can we apply God's compassion in Ezekiel 16:6 to our daily lives? Ezekiel 16:6 — God’s Compassion in Action “Then I passed by and saw you wallowing in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you, ‘Live!’; then I said to you, ‘Live!’” Seeing Our Own Story in the Verse • We were spiritually abandoned—dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1). • God personally “passed by,” saw our helpless state, and chose life for us (Ephesians 2:4-5). • His command “Live!” is not a suggestion; it is a life-creating word that rescues and restores (John 5:24-25). Core Truths About Compassion • Compassion notices: God “saw” the discarded infant; true compassion begins with open eyes (Matthew 9:36). • Compassion speaks life: God’s first act was a life-giving word; our words also carry power (Proverbs 18:21). • Compassion moves toward the helpless: He approached the bloodied child; love always moves closer (Luke 10:33-34). • Compassion commits for the long haul: God kept nurturing Israel beyond the rescue (Ezekiel 16:7-14); we persevere with people (Galatians 6:9). Daily Practices That Embody “Live!” • Begin each day thanking God for speaking life into you—gratitude fuels generosity. • Ask Him to help you “see” the overlooked: – The coworker under pressure – The single parent juggling needs – The elderly neighbor craving conversation • Speak words that lift instead of bruise: – Encourage instead of criticize – Share Scripture that breathes hope (Isaiah 41:10) • Move toward tangible action: – Offer a meal, ride, or childcare – Give financially to crisis-pregnancy centers, homeless ministries, or persecuted believers – Volunteer time where life hangs in the balance—hospitals, prisons, foster care • Stay committed: set reminders to follow up, text, or visit; compassion matures through consistency. Scripture Passages to Anchor Compassion • Colossians 3:12 — “Clothe yourselves with compassion…” • 1 John 3:16-18 — Love proves itself in actions and truth. • Matthew 25:40 — Serving “the least of these” serves Christ Himself. • Proverbs 14:31 — Honoring the poor honors their Maker. Final Encouragement to Walk in Compassion God’s rescuing word “Live!” still echoes today. Let it shape our attitudes, sharpen our eyesight, fill our speech, and energize our hands. As He once did for us, so we now do for others—choosing to notice, stepping in, and declaring life wherever death and despair linger. |