Peter knew that the Gentiles were no longer to be considered unclean (Acts 10:9-16), and he demonstrated this by eating with them. However, when some prominent Jews arrived, Peter “withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.” He knew better but allowed fear to cause him to rebel against the clear teachings of the Lord. As such, Peter “was to be blamed” (Galatians 2:11), and Paul had to rebuke him. It is one thing for a man to sin against the Lord through ignorance, but Peter knowingly, purposely, and openly violated God’s word. In like manner, believers today must bear the blame and the shame when they sin against the clear teachings of scripture.
The Bible introduces the apostle Paul as he was expending all of his energies to persecute the church of God. Yet, once the Lord saved him, he spent the remainder of his life attentively protecting the testimony of the ministry. Paul was in a unique position that would have enabled him to give the ministry a bad name (see the things he faced as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 11:23-30). Instead, he worked hard to give “no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed.” He proved himself as the minister of God. Unfortunately, fewer and fewer men today are exhibiting the level of character expected of them by God. Far too many preachers of the gospel are living their lives with little concern for how it impacts the ministry and the cause of Christ..
It is not an inconsequential matter to be called of God to serve Him. In that service, there are certain things that benefit every believer regardless of position or office held. Yet, the Bible emphasizes an even higher qualification for living for those called to an office within the New Testament church. According to Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-2, a man who desires the office of a bishop must, among other things, be blameless. This blamelessness (absence of blame) should extend to his home (1 Timothy 3:2, 4-5), to his dealings with other believers (1 Timothy 3:2-3), and to his dealings with the world (1 Timothy 3:7). The Lord gave similar qualifications for those who would serve in the office as a deacon (1 Timothy 3:10).
God’s compassion originates from His mercy and grace and the way He deals with man displays this compassion. For example, He is “slow to anger” and “good to all,” etc. It is important to note that compassion is not something God simply does but rather a manifestation of His character. The Bible emphasizes the importance of this truth by stating that God is “full of compassion” on five separate occasions in the book of Psalms (Psalm 78:38; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 111:4; Psalm 112:4; Psalm 145:8). God’s actions (past, present, or future) can all be traced back to His compassion. This even includes His acts of judgment. When the Bible refers to God’s longsuffering it means that He will suffer for a long time before bringing judgment against a person, nation, or the whole world.
The word compassion consists of two components: “com” plus “passion.” Acts 1:3 defines the root word “passion” as suffering. The prefix “com” means with. Therefore, the compound word, compassion means to suffer with someone. God expects every true child of God to demonstrate compassion, but even more impressive is the thought that the Lord Jesus Christ manifested compassion during His earthly ministry. What an amazing truth—the Lord of glory willingly humbles Himself to suffer with others. One might assume this only became possible because Christ took upon Himself the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3). Yet, the Bible attributes compassion to God prior to the first coming of Christ.
