Compassion

This is a powerful word. I looked up the definition of compassion. It is “sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others”. Compassion literally means “to suffer together.” It is defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering. I do believe that compassion is a bit of an emotion. The emotion of anger is a close relative of compassion because it is a motivating emotion. I do get angry at injustice and suffering. My heart hurts to see children or innocent ones suffer.

Jesus displays emotion in His ministry. I love how the gospel writers give us four different perspectives on Jesus’ ministry.  When Jesus sees suffering, He has the power to mitigate it. Check this out….

⁴⁰ A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.

⁴¹ Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” ⁴² Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. (Mark 1:40-42 NLT)

I can only imagine what this man felt like after Jesus heals him. He was doomed to isolation and eventually death, but Jesus had compassion on him.

Compassion is powerful when displayed toward others. I have been the recipient of compassion and it is powerful to help the soul heal from deep wounds.  Compassion compels me to respond toward others who are suffering. Jesus’ example of compassion can’t be missed as it displays His heart toward those who are suffering. He changes lives forever. Jesus had compassion on blind, cripple, sick, and lost people. He came to be a deliverer of compassion and to raise up followers who are compassionate as well.

When I’m compassionate toward others, I’m more like Jesus than anything else I can do or say.

Pressing On!

Dwayne