Appreciate These Things:
Eight Ways of Cultivating Compassion
By Jill J. Duffield
A transformative guide that explores eight virtues to nurture compassion, inspired by the apostle Paul's teachings in Philippians 4:8.
This book:
- Offers readers practical reflections to deepen their compassion in daily life.
- Provides daily reflections to foster personal growth.
- Encourages the development of empathy and kindness.
- Offers insights into applying biblical virtues today.
- Serves as a resource for individual or group study.
- Helps readers navigate a divided world with grace.
- Inspires actionable steps toward compassionate living.
- Enhances understanding of Paul's guidance in Philippians.
Features
- Eight chapters, each focusing on a specific virtue.
- Five reflections per chapter for daily meditation.
- Suitable for use as a daily devotional or group study.
- Accessible and inspirational writing style.
- Incorporation of contemporary stories and insights.
Soft cover, 130pp
0.94 cms H x 20.32 cms L x 12.7 cms W (0.17 kgs)
ISBN 9780664269128
Westminster John Knox Press (2025)
[Allow 4 weeks]
Description
Pastor Jill J. Duffield delves into the apostle Paul's exhortation in Philippians 4:8, encouraging readers to focus on whatever is true, honourable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
Through eight chapters, each dedicated to one of these virtues, Duffield provides five reflections that guide readers in cultivating compassion in their daily lives.
Designed for flexibility, this book can serve as a daily devotional, an eight-week group study, or an accessible individual read.
Duffield's engaging storytelling and insightful commentary make the ancient biblical text relevant to contemporary challenges, offering readers practical ways to embody these virtues amidst a world often marked by division and discord.
By intentionally focusing on these eight virtues, readers are invited to reorient their hearts and minds, fostering empathy and kindness toward themselves and others.
Appreciate These Things is not just a book to read but a journey to experience, leading to a more compassionate and fulfilling life.
About the Author
Jill J. Duffield is the Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, and formerly served as the editor of The Presbyterian Outlook. She holds an MDiv from Union Presbyterian Seminary and a DMin from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Duffield is the author of Advent in Plain Sight: A Devotion through Ten Objects and Lent in Plain Sight: A Devotion through Ten Objects.
Contents
- Introduction: Embracing Compassion
- Chapter 1: Whatever Is True
- Chapter 2: Whatever Is Honorable
- Chapter 3: Whatever Is Just
- Chapter 4: Whatever Is Pure
- Chapter 5: Whatever Is Pleasing
- Chapter 6: Whatever Is Commendable
- Chapter 7: Whatever Is Excellent
- Chapter 8: Whatever Is Worthy of Praise
- Conclusion: Living a Compassionate Life
