Do you have a desire to be compassionate? Is the Lord prompting you to grow in compassion for others? If we are honest, I believe this is God’s desire for all of us. “Compassion is a deep awareness of and sympathy for another’s suffering. Jesus is the model of compassion.”[1] No matter your past, the good news is that the Lord will help us grow in compassion.
The Apostle Paul writes about the compassion of Jesus. 2 Cor. 1: 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.[2]
Trials Can Help us Grow in Compassion
When we experience trials, they change how we see life. Material possessions may seem significant until we face a health challenge or the loss of a loved one. Suddenly, God changes our priorities.
In our story of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus shows us how to reach out with compassion. John 8:4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” 6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.
9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” [3]
Jesus is Our Model of Compassion
Notice Jesus wrote on the ground and then asked a simple question. Who of you has not sinned? The woman was well aware of her guilt, and no one had to point it out to her. Her real need was compassion. Paul writes about the impact of compassion on others. Romans 2:4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?[4] The compassion of Jesus brought a new light into this woman’s life. As we believe and trust in Jesus, He shines His light into our dark distress.
Prayer for Compassion
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to be gentle towards every person I encounter today in thought, word, and deed. May I recognize that others face challenging circumstances that I know nothing about. Oh Lord, that others would encounter You when they meet me today! Still my thoughts bridle my tongue and open my heart. Fill me with a spirit of forgiveness and generosity. Lord, place the words in my mouth that others need to hear today. Help me to share Your unfailing compassion with all people, especially those with whom I live and work. In Your Mighty Name, I pray, Amen.[5]
To learn how to desire to be compassionate, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/light-in-sin
[1] Logos Bible Program
[2] The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (2 Co 1:3–4). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[3-4 Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.