Heart And Hands (Mark 1:41)

Read Mark 1:41.

Jesus didn't just feel on the inside; He touched the man.  When dealing with people, both your heart and your hands need to be engaged.

• It starts with your heart.  Is your heart sensitive to the stirring of the Holy Spirit? 
• Your heart alone isn't enough.  Compassion needs implementation.  Feeling needs follow-through.
• Your hands alone aren't enough.  Implementation without compassion leads to formality, coldness and performance.  People deserve better than that!

The First Woe (Hab 2:6-8)

The word "woe" is a statement spoken to a violator. A "woe" contains both anger and sorrow.

1. The violation of the offender. These aggressive acts were habitual, not occasional. Did you catch the "me first" mentality? Today, it would sound like this: "Do whatever you have to do to get on top and stay on top."
2. The vindication of the offended. This is an illustration of "what goes around comes around." See Luke 6:37-38; Mt 7:12. God allowed the oppressed to exact heavy interest on the offence. He allowed the offended to return similar behavior to the offender. (Historically, this happened 562 B.C. when the Persians overcame Babylon.)
3. The validation for the reader. What does this mean for you? How you treat people is important. You can't hide aggressive behavior forever. If no man stops you, God eventually will. Getting and staying ahead isn't worth it. You'd probably have to railroad people. Instead, use your talents and resources to build up people.