How do you view other people? Do you view your family and friends one way while viewing strangers completely different? What about your co-workers? How do you view people who are less fortunate or in bad situations?
It is natural for us to view our family and friends in a better light than strangers. Our co-workers are often viewed favorably, even if there are exceptions. We may view those we know or hear about who are less fortunate in a different way.
I suggest there is one point of view we should have toward all people, and especially those who do not know Jesus Christ. I suggest we look upon them with compassion. This is no mere “I feel sorry for them” viewpoint. It is an emotionally painful way of viewing them. It includes a physical reaction to the emotion.
Much as Jesus had compassion on the crowd because they were harassed, helpless, and like sheep without a shepherd, we should have compassion on people of our current time. Feeling compassion for them should motivate us to pray for them. We should ask that God enter their lives and make a positive change.
It all starts with how we view everyone. Do we view them as someone in need of a Savior? Or do we view them as less than human? Perhaps we have never thought about our view of others. By no means am I implying criminals should not be punished nor that we should not be wary in certain parts of town. I am clearly stating we should view every person as a child of God in need of a Savior.
I pray we view every person with compassion. I pray our compassion compels us to pray for others. I pray each one of us will be wary when warranted, but view everyone as a child of God in need of a Savior. Be compassionate. Pray God enters every person’s life. See every person as a child of God.
Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Marty Pressey 