"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Cor. 5:17 NLT)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT)

Monday, June 24, 2013

Compassion

We live in such a compassion-less world.  The sad, stark reality is that lots of people simply do not care at all about what happens to other people.  Some people believe compassion is a weakness.  However, expressing compassion actually reveals a very strong strength of character!

Compassion’s most significant result is that it alleviates suffering.  It lifts people’s burdens and makes life more tolerable.  That’s what Jesus was all about!

Jesus has great compassion for mankind.  Our Savior was moved deeply by the needs of those around Him.  He felt and shared our suffering.  We are all too often selfish and self-centered, but should strive to be more like Jesus and be more compassionate toward others.

God is Full of Compassion
“But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15 NLT)

Jesus’ Compassion for the Lost
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36 NLT)

Jesus’ Compassion for the Sick
“Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14 NLT)

Jesus’ Compassion for the Hungry
“Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.” (Matthew 15:32 NLT)

Jesus’ Compassion for the Suffering
“11 Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. 12 A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. 14 Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.” (Luke 7:11-14 NLT)

Having Compassion for Those in Need

Luke 10:30-37 NLT:  Parable of the Good Samaritan

30 Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

31 “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32 A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

33 “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’

36 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.

37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”  Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

We Are Called to be Compassionate

1 Peter 3:8-12 NLT

8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.  Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.  11 Turn away from evil and do good.  Search for peace, and work to maintain it.  12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers.  But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

Compassion Can Accomplish Great Things!

Compassion is more than feeling sorry for someone; it is more than pity.  Compassion is a deep desire to reach out and make a difference in someone else’s life.  Christ had great compassion on us, so we should have that same kind of compassion for others.

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