The Daily Devotional for Monday, October 30, 2023: Empathy in the Age of Smartphones

 

The Daily Devotional
Monday, October 30, 2023

Empathy in the Age of Smartphones

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
Exodus 34:6 (NIV)

If your food delivery is late, you might be tempted to use your smartphone to give the driver a low rating. Likewise, if a shopkeeper is abrupt with you, a negative review could be just a few taps away. Our phones allow us to easily shop, connect with friends, and much more, but they have also given us the power to rate each other publicly, which can be a double-edged sword.

The problem with this kind of rating system is that it often lacks the full story. A delivery driver might receive a low rating because they were stuck in traffic or had other issues beyond their control. A shopkeeper might receive a critical review when, in reality, she had been up all night with a sick child. So, how can we avoid being unfairly judgmental?

By looking to God's character as an example. In Exodus 34:6–7, God describes Himself as compassionate and gracious, meaning He understands our struggles and doesn’t judge us without knowing the full context; slow to anger, indicating that He doesn't rush to criticize after just one negative encounter; abounding in love, signifying that His feedback is meant for our benefit, not as a form of revenge; and forgiving of sin, assuring us that our worst moments don't define us. Since we are called to model our lives after God's character (Matthew 6:33), we can use our smartphones in a way that reflects His kindness and understanding, rather than resorting to harsh judgments.

Reflection:

In this verse, we are reminded of the incredible nature of God’s character. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness. This is not just a description of who God is, but also a promise of how He relates to us, His children.

The compassion of God is evident in the way He cares for us and provides for our needs. He is a loving Father who desires to give good gifts to His children. Just as a parent has compassion on their child, so the Lord has compassion on us.

The grace of God is demonstrated in the way He forgives us and welcomes us back into His arms, no matter how far we have strayed. His grace is sufficient for us, and it is by His grace that we are saved.

The patience of God is shown in the way He is slow to anger and gives us time to repent and turn back to Him. He is not quick to punish, but rather, He is patient, wanting none to perish but all to come to repentance.

The love of God is boundless and unconditional. His love is not based on our performance or worthiness, but rather, it is based on His character. He loves us because He is love.

The faithfulness of God is seen in the way He keeps His promises and remains steadfast in His commitment to us. He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in us and to bring us to completion in Christ Jesus.

Application:

• Embrace God's Nature: Let's draw near to this God, leaning into His nature and drawing from His attributes. As we understand and experience His character, it transforms how we view our circumstances, relationships, and challenges.

• Reflect God's Attributes: As believers, we're called to be imitators of God. In our interactions, may we strive to be compassionate, gracious, patient, loving, and faithful.

• Stand on His Promises: When doubt clouds our vision or trials test our faith, let's remember and stand firm on the promises of God. His love and faithfulness are our shield and fortress.

Conclusion:

Let us take comfort in the knowledge that our God is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. This is who He is, and this is how He relates to us. We can trust in His character and rest in His promises, knowing that He is with us always, working all things for our good and His glory.

In this digital era, it's easy to judge others critically. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in extending kindness and compassion today.

Prayer:

Lord, we are in awe of Your incredible attributes. You are compassionate when we hurt, gracious when we falter, patient in our shortcomings, overflowing in love, and steadfast in Your faithfulness. Help us to draw near to You, embracing Your nature and reflecting it in our lives. In every challenge and joy, may we stand firm on Your promises, trusting in Your unchanging character. Amen.