Whatever Happened to Compassion?

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  Colossians 3:12

Among the aspects central to the Christian faith is compassion. When we show love, care, and concern for the suffering and misfortune of others, we identify with Christ Himself. Jesus’ life on earth was filled with compassion. During the time He lived and ministered among us, He consistently devoted His time to those who were hurting and in need. He healed diseases, fed the hungry, cast out demons, and brought sight to the blind. He even raised the dead. His example reminds us to see and care about the needs of those around us.

This came as a shock to the religious leaders of the time. Many believed Jesus would arrive as a conquering hero and would spend His time on earth with religious leaders. Yet we see in the Gospels that Jesus often shunned religious leaders and made a habit of connecting with people who today we would see as “on the fringes” of society. He cared about them, loved them, and met their physical and spiritual needs.

Perhaps the greatest need for our faith, our neighborhoods, and our nation today is compassion. In an increasingly polarized, world we find ourselves separated from one another more than ever before. Among the repercussions of this cultural shift is a lesser emphasis on having compassion for one another. Yet our needs as a people…from homelessness to hunger to difficulty making ends meet financially, to medical and health challenges, continue to grow.

The Church can and must respond to the needs of hurting people with compassion. The book of Colossians reminds us to be clothed in compassion, kindness, and gentleness. When we see the needs of others and help to meet them with our resources - without regard to compensation or other benefits to ourselves - we reflect the image of Christ in our world. We also open up avenues to share the Gospel with those we are able to serve.

Dear God, thank You for showing compassion for us through Your Son, Who You sent to not only be an example for us but to die for our sins and be raised from the dead so we can experience eternal life. Open my eyes to the needs of others around me who have needs that I can meet. Fill me with compassion for their situations; and as I serve them, give me opportunities to share Jesus with them. In Jesus’ name, amen.