And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.
Mathew 9:35 ESV
The origin of the word ‘compassion’ is the idea of ‘suffering with’. To be compassionate is to be so moved by the condition of others that we ourselves suffer with them. Jesus had compassion with the crowds who followed Him. He was moved by the spiritual and physical suffering of people of His time. This is why He preached the good news of God’s Kingdom and healed their diseases. Later, on the cross, Jesus suffered with and for us physically. God’s love for us led Him to suffer with us and die for us, so that we can be with Him in Heaven, where all pain will cease.
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,[b] and to walk humbly with your God?
MICAH 6:8
It all began with God loving us. A dose of God’s love accompanies every act of kindness we show to one another. The apostle John describes this love as ‘great’, and says it has been ‘lavished on us’ – perhaps you need to hear this afresh today? God loves you. God calls you His beloved ‘child’. And what is God’s love for us like? It is patient and kind. His love for us is not rooted in self-seeking pride, but it protects us and hopes for our best. God is not quick-tempered, but slow to anger. God lavishes his love on us, so we see what pure love looks like and then lavish love on others.
Choose to show and sow compassion towards others freely. Choose to forgive freely. Choose to sow mercy towards others in every area of your life. Choose to let your heart reflect the Mercy and Compassion of God. Let your heart be full of His Love. Let your heart be full of His Mercy. Don’t let your heart grow bitter. Forgive freely.
Today’s Action: It can be tempting to shield ourselves from the pain of others. Perhaps we are even fearful of letting other people’s pain and suffering affect our own lives, so we keep it at arms length or hide from those who are suffering. Ask God to teach you how to have compassion, how to ‘suffer with’ others in their times of adversity or pain.
Today’s Prayer: Father God, help me to follow Jesus’ example and love the people around me as He loved those around Him. He took notice of them and their plight. He had compassion on them. And His touch forever transformed their lives. He responded to their practical needs first, and then He helped them spiritually. Help me to see those around me, intercede for them, and be used of You to help them know You, draw close to You, be touched and transformed by You.”
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