Small Seeds Of Compassion

Small Seeds of Compassion

Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Psalm 25:6

Catherine, a young English girl, came to Christ at age sixteen. Eventually she married a young minister named William, and together they laid the foundations for their work among the poor, first in London’s East End and later throughout England. In all Catherine did, her ear was turned to the God of unfailing love and compassion for whom and how he wanted her to help.

One day Catherine came upon a woman with despair written all over her face. Many had passed the needy woman, and with all of Catherine’s responsibilities that day, it would have been easy for her to rush by.

Speak to that woman, the Lord whispered to her.

She may be intoxicated; don’t get involved, Satan said, trying to derail her.

Resisting her fears, Catherine offered the stranger help and quickly discovered the woman lived with an abusive, alcoholic husband. Expressing her empathy and sorrow, Catherine asked if she could come inside.

“You can’t do anything with my husband,” the woman said, yet Catherine followed her into the dark room. The man was draped in a chair, jug in hand. Catherine went to him and read him the story of the Prodigal Son. Then she earnestly prayed with him. In those moments, the man turned to God, and his family’s life began to be transformed.

As Catherine Booth and her husband, William, continued in their simple faith, obedience to God, and compassion for people, their example inspired many others to give themselves to the Lord’s service, and The Salvation Army was founded. Small seeds of compassion grew into a ministry that goes on around the world, restoring the lives of the poor to this very day. —CHERI

Lord of unfailing love and compassion, give me eyes to see those who need help, and ears to hear your voice on how to be your hands and feet.

Christ has no hands on earth but yours. No feet on earth but yours, no eyes of compassion on earth but yours. He has no body on earth but yours.

—TERESA OF AVILA (1515–1582), SPANISH MYSTIC