A Reflection On Compassion

When I need to care more deeply for others

In Jesus, we see the compassion of an infinite God in the heart of a human body. What an overflow of emotion! We are amazed at the implications of boundless love incarnate.

What is really amazing about Jesus’ compassion is that His emotions are also expressed through us when His Spirit reigns in our hearts. We have access to a love beyond ourselves. When we come across the really unlovable, we may ask Him to love them through us. When our human nature recoils at the offensiveness of others, we may trust the Holy Spirit to minister to them in spite of our own impulses.

Jesus’ compassion reaches into lepers’ wounds. It goes to the side of the road where victims lie. It sees needs and seeks to meet them. It welcomes offensive prodigals back home. If Jesus is love incarnate, and His Spirit is in us, we will love with His kind of compassion. This compassion will come from beyond ourselves. All we have to do is ask Him for it.

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 9:36