What are you doing for those in need? Do you have compassion for them? Does your compassion motivate you to action? Are you in need? Do you desire someone to have compassion for you? Have you turned to Jesus?
We often people say they feel sorry for someone in a bad situation or ill. That is how we express our compassion. Yet, many times that expression is as far as it goes. Far too few of us put our compassion into action. We assume someone else will take care of it.
Compassion without action is almost assuredly empty. At a minimum, it is not Christ-like. If we follow the example of Jesus, we put our compassion into action. Jesus had compassion and healed the sick. He had compassion and fed the hungry. He had compassion and forgave the sinful. He continues to have compassion on each one of us. Will we choose to be like Him?
When we are in need, we desire compassion. We long for someone to heal us. We hope someone will feed us. We ask for forgiveness, even if only secretly. Again, Jesus has compassion on us. If we will turn to Him, He will do all of that and much, much more.
Jesus had had a very busy couple of days. He had heard how Herod had treated John the Baptist. He was distraught and seeking a place of isolation to spend some quiet time with the Father. The crowds found out where He was going and met Him there. There were in need. Jesus was likely tired. Yet, He took time to heal the sick among them. His compassion drove Him to address their needs.
There are times when we are tired, and someone comes to us with a need. Will we demonstrate compassion or simply say “I am sorry.” We may feel as though we have nothing left to give, but God provides for us as we are willing to give for his name’s sake. We are to allow God’s compassion for us to flow through us to others.
I pray we all strive to follow Jesus’ example. I pray we put our compassion into action, just as Jesus did. I pray each one of us experiences compassion from someone else when we are in need. Follow Jesus’ example. Put your compassion into action. Allow God’s compassion to flow through you.
Matthew 14:14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick.
Marty Pressey 