From the beginning of creation, God reveals himself as a God of covenant love -- one who cares for His people. Though humankind sinned, God again and again performed overt acts of kindness, and love to people. Compassion not only sees the need; compassion touches the need. All throughout scripture, the thing that always caught Jesus’ attention was another human being in need. Not only did he see the needs of those around Him, but He was willing to act on their behalf.
During the time Jesus walked the earth, it would have been considered “defilement," almost like polluting or contaminating Himself, to touch a person with leprosy. But Jesus cared more for the man than He did about what people would think about Him. He lovingly engaged in the suffering the man was facing, and healed him. People were fearful of 'lepers,' and the contagious disease leprosy. Back then, 'lepers' were pitiful outcast creatures, yet Jesus was willing not only to heal this individual, but He reached out to him and touched him.
Jesus was willing to touch the lives of all men, regardless of race, and regardless of social or economic standing. Jesus Christ, the compassionate Christ, had time for others. It’s often easy for us to close our eyes to the needs of the people around us, because we are too concerned with ourselves and what others may think of us. Jesus asks us to love one another as we love ourselves, and says that the world will know that we are His disciples by the way we love one another (John 13:35).
What does the world see when they look at our lives?
When we stop and remember how healing, comforting and good God’s love has been to us, it’s not hard to want to share that love with others. Let’s keep our eyes open for opportunities to show the world what God love looks likes. Mother Teresa once said,
“Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.”
What graces have we received that we could use to bless someone in need?
If we have a voice to encourage, a dollar to share, or a smile to offer, then we have something to give.
As we spend time with Jesus, we begin to act like Him. We begin to share in sufferings of others, and want to touch their needs. Think about the people in your life who may be suffering, and choose someone today to encourage with your words or actions. This may mean writing an encouraging letter, doing yard work for someone, or even just asking, “How are you?” and then listening and caring.
We all have the ability to have compassion. It's whether we choose to practice it or not that determines our happiness. You can turn it on, or you can turn it off. All the power lies within each of us.
