Compassion Does Not Mean Weakness!

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”   -Mother Teresa

Compassion. When that word is used, many haven't a clue as to what it truly means. Weakness might come to mind when they think of compassionate people. Men especially are guilty of viewing compassion as something “weak, soft people do.” In actuality, expressing compassion towards others reveals a strength of character that few people possess.

For the most part, we live in a compassion-less world where most people place themselves and their family above any other consideration in the world. The sad reality is that most people simply just don't care what happens to others. In other words, they do not possess compassion.

When we read the Gospels, they tell us of Jesus and His great compassion for mankind. We see that our Savior was moved deeply in His inner being by the needs of those around Him. The word compassion, as it is used in the Bible means: “To be moved inwardly; to yearn with tender mercy, affection, pity and empathy.” It refers to the deepest possible feelings.

I am certainly not pointing fingers or trying to single anyone out here, I would be the first to admit that I need all the help in this area that I can get. Too often, I am selfish and self-centered; but I want to be, no, I need to be more like Christ!

What I'd like to do today is to briefly examine, and hopefully learn from Christ's examples for caring about the needs of others. Let's begin with the question: "Where did His compassion originate?"  A few things come to mind. First, His compassion originated from his essence. Think about this for a moment. Think about Who Jesus is. He is God in the flesh! He's not restrained, or hindered with a fallen nature. He's not selfish, or self-centered. Unlike us, He transcends all the faults and flaws that mark humanity (John 1:18; John 14:9).

Next, His compassion originated in his experiences. One reason Jesus was able to express such sympathy for others was due to His Own experiences in life. Jesus didn't come into this world to live an idyllic life. The life He lived was difficult at best. He grew up, lived and died in lamentable poverty (Luke 2:24; Matthew 8:20).

When He died, His worldly effects consisted of just the clothes on His back (John 19:23-24). He definitely knew about loneliness (Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:47). He was despised, hated and rejected (John 1:11; Mark 14:50). Additionally, He even endured a time of severe temptation (Matthew 4:1-11).

Okay, now we know a little bit about where His compassion came from. Let's ask another question: "Whom, or what were the objects of His compassion?" We find in Scripture that he felt compassion for: the Scattered Ones (Matthew 9:36; 15:32); the Sinning Ones (Mark 5:1-20); the Sick Ones (Matthew 14:14; 20:30-34; Mark 1:40-45); the Suffering Ones (Luke 7:11-13); and, the Seeking Ones (Mark 10:17-22).

Note that the disciples (like us) knew little about compassion, either. James and John wanted to call fire down from heaven to punish a Samaritan village that refused to receive Jesus (Luke 9:54). On another occasion, the disciples wanted to send a hungry crowd away with nothing (Mark 6:34).

So, why did Jesus have to teach His disciples about compassion; and why do we still need the lessons today? I think the answer lies in the fact that compassion is against our very nature. We tend to be selfish and concerned only with ourselves; living by the credo that "that which does not touch us personally doesn't matter." This is precisely why Jesus had to teach His men about compassion, and why we still need the lessons today. Amen!

Scripture: Luke 22:27; 1 Peter 3:8; Matthew 7:12; Ephesians 4:32; Galatians 6:2

Prayer: Dear Father, give us compassion and humility in our hearts. Let us be kind, gentle, generous, loving, giving and forgiving wherever we may go. Allow pride to never get the best of us as You fulfill our dreams. Help us not to have a boastful tongue against others. Let humility invade our souls. Amen

May your day be blessed,

Virginia