How many people do you know who have made it to the hall of fame in music, art, literature, or sports because of their compassion? We elevate people to the status of heroes because of their gifts, their talents, and their power, but not because of their compassion. In Mark 6:34, it is said of Jesus – “When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them….” In Colossians 3, the apostle Paul urges us to “put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts….”
Sometimes Compassion is Hard
Sometimes, it is just flat hard to be compassionate to those in need, regardless of the need. We are so tempted, because of society, to be like the men who passed by in the story of the Good Samaritan and declined to help. We tend to look the other way or just ignore. Maybe, someone else will take care of that need, whatever it is. Maybe you feel that it’s just not that important.
It reminds me of the time some dear friends in Houston drove my parents and me to Lubbock for me to enroll in L.C.C. (now L.C.U.) On the way, the gas gauge got lower and lower and my dad kept telling our friend to stop and get gas. Well, he didn’t and, sure enough, he ran out of gas in front of a gas station and was able to coast in. How many times have you run out of gas? Be honest! You just kept saying, “I’ll wait” or “I don’t have time” or “somebody else can do it”.
The Heart of Jesus
Brothers and sister, please, please, please – if someone needs a shoulder to cry on, or to just talk, or is hurting emotionally or spiritually, and they need you – take time to show the compassion of Jesus. Don’t put it off, don’t delegate it out, just take time right then. If you know someone who is struggling, lend a helping hand immediately. That’s having the heart of Jesus, which is the heart of compassion. Thank you and may God bless you abundantly. I love you so much!
Baker Heights Elder
