Reflecting on compassion



Today I joined a men's worship and devotional call and the Bible study discussion centered on compassion and the ways in which we have demonstrated compassion in our daily lives. As the conversation continued the question was  asked, "What prevents you from showing God's love when you carry out your daily responsibilities?"

As I remained silent one intriguing and relatable answer was shared by one of the pastors on the call. He spoke about agenda and by extension, priority.  Reverend Otis reflected upon the fact that, despite the weight of His purpose and even when He was in the midst of getting away to grieve, Jesus always had time in His day to be compassionate because people were an important part of His agenda, purpose and priorities. 

Simply put, people were important to Him and He made meeting with them, time with them, and compassion for them a part of His daily agenda.  This is evident in the fact that:

• Jesus had time for the crowds, even after He tried to get away to grieve. 
• He had time for the woman with an issue of blood, even while heading to Jarius' home to heal a daughter who was dying.  
• He had time for the crowds who followed Him to distance places, even while once again wanting solitude. 
• He had time to stop for a diminutive tax collector and invite Himself for dinner 
•  He had time for mothers wanting blessings for their children, widows burying children, and people caught up in situations and circumstances they desperately wanted out of  
• He had compassion for leper's and tax collectors, a thief's dying wish and disciples needing encouragement and correction. 
• He had time for and compassion for the hungry and lost. 

Jesus made time to grieve with friends, dine with sinners, and He even had time to forgive the people who were wrongly accusing Him. 

He had time for compassion for people because people were a priority and a key part of His purpose and agenda.  He said, I came to seek and save the lost. I came so they may have life. I am the Good Shepherd, I "need to" lay down My life for the sheep. We were a priority for Him. “For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Son.” We were on His agenda. This is why He came, why He died and why He rose. But, what about me?

Do I let people, their needs, even their greatest need for the love and the knowledge of Christ be a key part of my daily agenda?  Do I take time to let people in my crowds, in my contacts, in my home, or who look up to me know that Christ cares and that He is compassionate?  What do I do when someone is in need, like a stranger down and out, a child anxious at the DMV a state away, a daughter dealing with anxiety, younger children needing affection or discipline, or a spouse overwhelmed and overworked needing just 15 minutes of my agenda?  Am I too busy serving my own needs and wants to care about showing them the compassion of Christ?  If the crowds came to me, am I sending them away or giving them compassion?  

Far too often, and for no reason other than my own selfishness and self-centered thinking I keep no room on my agenda for them. Far too often, I know His compassion and know His love and know His heart for others and I choose not to have His heart. Lord help!  

God, help me fill up in the knowledge and understanding of Your great compassion for me so that I may consistently and continually share and show Your great compassion to those around me. Help me live my life according to Your agenda, plans, purposes and priorities so that the needs of others will not be seen by me as an interruption or an intrusion, but as a welcome part of and priority within Your plans for me. 

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"That's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NLT)!"