Don’t Lose Your Compassionate Edge – Part 1

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36

Christ’s concern for a hurting world revealed itself in two ways: condemnation towards those who took advantage of others and compassion towards those who couldn’t help themselves. One time He took a whip and threw the money changers out of the temple; another time He healed the sick and fed the hungry. There’s a lesson here: you can become complacent and say, ‘I know there’s trouble in the world. It’s regrettable. But as long as it doesn’t touch me personally, I’d prefer not to think about it. Cheating goes on every day in business and politics. That’s just the way things are.’ Like the priest and the Levite in the story of the Good Samaritan, you ‘pass by on the other side’ (Luke 10:30-36). The sad fact is that even churches that faithfully preach the Word and win souls (two all-important missions) fail in this area. Why? Because they’re afraid of being identified with those who promote a ‘social gospel’. But the opposite should concern us! ‘If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity…how can the love of God be in him?…Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth’ (1 John 3:17-18). What moves you? Success in business? Building a great family? Excelling in ministry? Those are worthy goals, but if you want to know what moved Christ, read this: ‘ When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion.’ So don’t lose your compassionate edge.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to always remember the compassion and mercy you have shown me so that I can do likewise with someone who is hurting today. In Jesus’ Precious Name, Amen