This is the second devotional for the week of January 13-17. This is a devotional from Our Daily Bread on Compassion. It's a great reminder of how Jesus showed such compassion to others and continues to show compassion to us. Read this devotional and let us know what you think by leaving a comment below the post. Three or four sentences would be good. Your comments give you devotion credit.
Everyone Needs Compassion
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd"
When
Jeff was a new believer in Jesus and fresh out of college, he worked
for a major oil company. In his role as a salesman, he traveled; and in
his travels he heard people’s stories—many of them heartbreaking. He
realized that what his customers most needed wasn’t oil, but compassion.
They needed God. This led Jeff to attend seminary to learn more about the heart of God and eventually to become a pastor.
Jeff’s compassion had its source in Jesus. In Matthew 9:27–33 we get a glimpse of Christ’s compassion in the miraculous healing of two blind men and one demon-possessed man. Throughout His earthly ministry, He went about preaching the gospel and healing “through all the towns and villages” (v. 35). Why? “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (v. 36).
The world today is still full of troubled and hurting people who need the Savior’s gentle care. Like a shepherd who leads, protects, and cares for his sheep, Jesus extends His compassion to all who come to Him (11:28). No matter where we are in life and what we’re experiencing, in Him we find a heart overflowing with tenderness and care. And when we’ve been a beneficiary of God’s loving compassion, we can’t help but want to extend it to others.
Jeff’s compassion had its source in Jesus. In Matthew 9:27–33 we get a glimpse of Christ’s compassion in the miraculous healing of two blind men and one demon-possessed man. Throughout His earthly ministry, He went about preaching the gospel and healing “through all the towns and villages” (v. 35). Why? “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (v. 36).
The world today is still full of troubled and hurting people who need the Savior’s gentle care. Like a shepherd who leads, protects, and cares for his sheep, Jesus extends His compassion to all who come to Him (11:28). No matter where we are in life and what we’re experiencing, in Him we find a heart overflowing with tenderness and care. And when we’ve been a beneficiary of God’s loving compassion, we can’t help but want to extend it to others.
Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced God’s tender care? Who can you reach out to in compassion?
Heavenly
Father, we’re so grateful You had compassion on us! We would be lost
without You. Help us to extend Your overflowing compassion to others.
It's usually during the darkest times of life that I have experienced God's Peace that passes all understanding. I sometimes forget that His 'tender care' can be made manifest through others. I need to seek this out more often!
ReplyDeleteIt's true, this devotional hit it spot on. Such a great reminder to know for a fact that God is present, he is there and He is never ceasing! Compassion is needed all over the world, but instead of being hardened by the world we need to remember that Jesus wants us to have compassion on those around you. It's such a reminder.
ReplyDeleteA great reminder of God's presence and of His compassion and love.
ReplyDeleteThis past year especially, I have experienced so many people around me suffering. They have dealt with physical and emotional pain. When my loved ones know Jesus, it is easier to reassure them, we are on the same page, and can connect. I have so many family members who have not accepted Christ as their savior and this year, it has been painful for me to watch how lost they are. I continue to pray and remind them about Jesus and pray that as I show compassion and love that they can see Jesus through me.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful that we can go to Jesus when we are hurting. His love can also help us to have compassion on others, put ourselves in their shoes. The world can always use more compassion!
ReplyDelete