Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: 1 Chronicles 12:19–14:17, Romans 1:1–17, Psalm 9:13–20, Proverbs 19:4–5

---

A Soft Heart Begins with God

Have you ever noticed how easy it is for our hearts to become a little harder with each disappointment?

Someone betrays our trust. Another person takes advantage of our kindness. We help someone who never says thank you. Before long, we begin protecting ourselves. We become more cautious, less patient, and a little slower to show compassion because we don’t want to be hurt again.

While those feelings are understandable, they are not where God wants us to remain.

In today’s Gem of Knowledge, the Lord lovingly says,

“Soften your heart towards all people, specially those who are struggling. Find it within yourself to help them and love them as you rely on Me as your Source. Amen.”

I love that last phrase: “as you rely on Me as your Source.“

God never asks us to love others out of our own limited strength. If He did, we would eventually run dry. Instead, He invites us to receive His love first, then allow it to overflow into the lives of others. The more we draw from Him, the more compassion we have to give.

1 Chronicles 12-14 gives us a beautiful picture of this. As David’s kingdom grew stronger, people from every tribe continued coming to him. Some had once stood on the opposite side. Others came from different backgrounds, experiences, and loyalties. Yet David welcomed those whom God was bringing to him. He wasn’t building a kingdom based on favoritism or past mistakes. He was allowing God to unite people with different stories into one purpose.

That is still how God works today.

The church is filled with people from different walks of life. Some are mature in their faith. Others have only recently come to know Christ. Some are overcoming addiction. Others are healing from deep wounds, broken relationships, or years of guilt and shame. None of us arrive without scars.

Instead of asking, “Why are they like that?” perhaps we should begin asking, “Lord, what have they walked through?”

That simple change in perspective softens our hearts.

Paul understood this as well. As he opened his letter to the Romans, he declared that he was “not ashamed of the Good News about Christ, for it is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16, NLT). The gospel is for everyone—the wealthy and the poor, the religious and the rebellious, the successful and the struggling. If God’s grace is offered so freely to all, then our hearts should never become selective in who we choose to love.

David also reminds us in today’s Psalm that God sees those who suffer. He prays, “LORD, have mercy on me. See how my enemies torment me” (Psalm 9:13, NLT). God hears the cries that no one else hears. He notices the pain that others overlook. When we choose compassion, we begin reflecting the very heart of our Father.

Proverbs warns us that “Wealth makes many ‘friends’; poverty drives them all away” (Proverbs 19:4, NLT). Sadly, the world often values people for what they can offer instead of simply loving them because they bear God’s image. As followers of Christ, we are called to be different. We don’t love people because they can benefit us. We love them because Christ first loved us.

Perhaps today you’ll encounter someone who is struggling, or maybe you struggle with them.

Maybe they’re discouraged.

Maybe they’re lonely.

Maybe they’re difficult to love.

Instead of allowing your heart to harden, ask the Lord to soften it. Ask Him to let you see that person through His eyes and love them with His love. You may not be able to solve every problem they face, but you can offer kindness, encouragement, a listening ear, or a sincere prayer.

Sometimes the best thing we can do for someone is simply reminding them they are seen, valued, and loved.

When we rely on God as our Source, our compassion doesn’t run out.

Because His never does. 💎

---

Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 minutes to be with the Lord today. Ask Him:

• “Lord, what do You want me to know about this personally?”
  • Journal what He gives you through His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He reveals – then do it!

Let God soften your heart today and deepen your love and understanding towards all people.

---

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for loving me with patience, mercy, and grace. Forgive me for the times my heart has become hardened by disappointment or hurt. Fill me again with Your love and help me rely on You as my Source so I never grow weary of loving others. Open my eyes to those who are struggling and give me the courage to encourage them, serve them, and point them to You. May my heart reflect the compassion of Jesus in every conversation and every opportunity You place before me. In Your precious name I pray, amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.