And Having Compassion…

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Recently, when I was doing my devotions, I noticed something: the Bible mentions over and over about the compassion Jesus had for others. I was curious at how many times it was referenced, and so I did a search. Here is what I found…

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them…” -Matthew 9:36

“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them…” -Matthew 14:14

“Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude…” -Matthew 15:32

“And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him…” -Mark 1:41

“And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them…” -Mark 6:34

“…Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude…” -Mark 8:1-2

“And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her…” -Luke 7:13

There must be a reason for the Bible mentioning over and over Jesus’ compassion for others. Jesus sets the perfect example, but how often do we see others having compassion? I hear phrases such as:

“Get over it.”

“You’ll be fine.”

“Whatever.”

“That’s nothing!”

“Who cares?”

And I am sure there are more than that! Why do people treat others this way? God calls us to have compassion for others, but most of the time we are too busy to care, or just don’t want to care. We think that whatever we are going through is much more important than what a friend in need may be going through, and instead of stopping and having compassion for them and trying to help them, we ignore them and miss an opportunity to serve.

Jude 1:22 says, “And some have compassion, making a difference.” I don’t know about you, but I want to make a difference. I want to help others, serve them, and have compassion for them and for lost souls. I don’t want to let my busy schedule or life get in the way, I want to make a difference!

Instead of saying, “Get over it”, we can say, “How can I help you get through this?” Instead of saying, “You’ll be fine”, we can say, “What can I do to make this better?” Instead of saying, “Whatever” we can say, “What can I do to help?” Instead of saying “That’s nothing!” we can say, “I understand how you feel.” And instead of saying, “Who cares?” we can say, “I care and want to help.”

What can you do today to show compassion?

“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.” -I Peter 3:8