Compassion: July 13, 2009

TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY JULY 13, 2009

COMPASSION

Defined by Webster:

A feeling of deep sympathy; sorrow for someone struck by misfortune; a desire to alleviate suffering.

GODS WORD

“For He who has mercy on them will lead them, even by the springs of water He will guide them.” Isaiah 49:10

“But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity.” Psalm 78:38.

“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved to compassion for them.” Matthew 9:36.

WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE

We are living in a world today where very few people have compassion for someone in need. It is a “ME” world where the only one people care about are themselves. You constantly hear of someone leaving the scene of an accident or ignoring the call of a neighbor. Everyone is constantly in a rush and in crowded situations they bump people and never even smile or say I am sorry.

But for Christians it should be different because of the standard our Lord gave to us. When Jesus was on earth He was going from city to city teaching in the synagogues and we are told that when He saw the multitudes of crowds He was moved to compassion. [Matthew 9:36]

True compassion moves us to action. In Mark 2:3 we read that “some men came, bringing Him a paralytic, carried by the four of them.” These men saw their friend’s helpless condition and their compassion moved them to take action. They carried him to Jesus. When Jesus saw the man, He saw more than his physical need. He saw his spiritual need --- for forgiveness of his sins. Jesus had compassion and then said: “Son your sins are forgiven.” Then He healed him and told him to get up and walk.

God’s compassion for us surpasses all human understanding. He knew our need for salvation from the time of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Because of His great compassion for us, He sent His only Son to die on the cross paying the penalty for our sins. Jesus took our sins upon Himself and then gave His life for us. There is no greater compassion than this.

Yes, true compassion leads to action. In Luke chapter 10 we read of the account that we all know as the parable of the Good Samaritan. In verse 33 we read that when the Samaritan came across the man who had been beaten by the thieves and left to die, the Samaritan was moved to compassion and he took action. Unlike the two previous travelers who had come by the beaten man and continued on without helping, the Samaritan acted, came to his aid, and saved his life.

We are reminded that even today there are many people that are in situations where they are often moved to compassion. We have talked to Pastors in Kenya who have told us about the poverty of the people in their church and tears filled their eyes. This shows real compassion. Just take a trip someday and go into a children’s hospital and see just a few of the children who are sick and dying. We can assure you that your heart will be broken with compassion.

These illustrations from life today and from the scripture need to be a reminder to us to live each day with a heart that is sensitive to being compassionate. When you see someone in need, help them. When you see someone hurting with grief, give them a word of encouragement. Work today on the concept of what my father [Ken] told me years ago --- Live a life of JOY --- JOY spelled out one letter at a time says Jesus, then others and lastly you.

TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER

Give me today a compassionate heart. May I be alert to others and their needs? Help my family to watch for ways to show their compassion to others. Thank you Lord for the wonderful standard you have set for us to live by. Make this a day where compassion is a norm and not an exception.