To sum up, all of you be
harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing
instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a
blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9
The People are Kindhearted (Compassionate)
Mamie Adams always went to
a branch post office in her town because the postal employees there were
friendly. She went there to buy stamps just before Christmas one year and the
lines were particularly long. Someone pointed out that there was no need to
wait in line because there was a stamp machine in the lobby. "I
know," said Mamie, 'but the machine won't ask me about my arthritis."
Here is the driving force for
ministry...a tender heart. It was a
tender heart that moved His heart as He looked at the people “trampled and broken without a shepherd.” It was a tender heart that reached out to the
leprous, dying, sinful tax collectors and a disciple who denied Him. It was a tender heart that sent the Savior to
the cross.
But
whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up
his bowels of compassion
from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John 3:17) KJV
The term “bowels of compassion” was used to
describe the seat of emotions or, as we would say today, the heart.
Have your insides ever been shaken in seeing the need of someone
hurting, ashamed, or broken? Compassion
is not a logical response to a recognized need.
It is an inner anguish that physically affects us when confronted with
the pain of this world and demands our attention.
As you read the scriptures
you cannot help but see the compassion that Jesus had for others. His heart was not prejudiced by race, creed,
color, political platform, economic or social standing. His heart was recklessly compassionate.
Matthew 9:36 ... He saw the masses of people in their helpless
plights of life and was "moved" with compassion.
Matthew 14:14 ... Seeing the sea of hurting humanity Jesus was
moved with compassion to "heal" the sick.
Matthew 15:32 ... Knowing the needs of the people Jesus moved in
compassion to "feed" the hungry.
Mark 1:41 ... Hearing the request of the leper Jesus was moved
with compassion to "reach out and touch."
Simply put, a truly
compassionate person is one who is open to caring even when it hurts. Look with the eyes and heart of Christ in
your world and see if God places someone there who stirs your heart to true compassion.
Scripture to Claim
Seeing the people, He felt
compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep
without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36
