Compassion is defined by Webster as sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. Christ has deep compassion for His children. The interesting thing about compassion with Jesus is He always had an action after He had compassion for someone. At the sermon on the mount, people were getting hungry. The disciples had no way to feed them. They told Jesus all we have is these few small fish and a few loaves of bread. Jesus multiplied those items to feed thousands as an action for his compassion. There were leftovers.
So often we hear of someone in need or see someone in need and we feel compassion for them BUT we do not act. Jesus would hear of someone in need AND he acted on that need. There is an example for us! We have done nothing if we do not act on a need. Simply having compassion for someone does not help them at all.
Compassion is what motivates God, and Jesus’ life on earth was a picture of that compassion in action. His whole ministry was driven by it. It was compassion that caused Him to multiply the loaves and fishes, heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead.
Peter denied Jesus three times. Jesus still had compassion AND forgave him. The woman at the well was an outcast in society, Jesus had compassion for her AND he saved her. Jesus heard the ten lepers asking for help, He felt compassion AND he healed them.
Remember this devotion the next time you feel the emotion of compassion AND respond as Christ to those in need with action. True compassion can only be felt by others if there is an action taken by the one who feels the compassion.
Jim Everett
Matthew 9:35,36…..35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom “AND” healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
