The definition of compassion is seeing the needs and
suffering of others, and having a desire to help.
And Jesus called
His disciples to Him, and said, “I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat;
and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” -
Matthew 15:32
Compassion results in caring for other people. Jesus lived an example of compassion with His life. Jesus had the compassion to take care of the hurting, broken, and suffering people. Here are some instances of Jesus feeling compassion. Matthew 9:36, Matthew 14:14, Matthew 20:34, Mark 1:41, Mark 6:34, Mark 8:2, Luke 7:13
Jesus’ compassion often caused Him to stop and go out of His
way to help people. Do I do this? Compassion goes beyond helping people when it
is easy or convenient or only helping every now and then. Compassion is helping
even when circumstances are difficult or when it costs me. I’ll give an example
of how God taught me the importance of having a compassionate heart to serve others.
Several days ago, I had a list of
things I wanted to finish, and I was delighted at how quickly I was moving
through the list. I was halfway done with the second task, when my sister asked
for help with a math problem. I was happy to help. After my sister finished the
problem, I went back to what I was doing, eager to move through my list. Then I
remembered something else I needed to do: sweep up the sand in the bathroom. I went
to get the broom, but before I could start sweeping, my sister asked for my
help again. I went to help her but not as willing as the first time. I had
things I needed to do. After helping her, I once again went back to my tasks
when she asked for help again. I had to take a moment and remind myself to
smile when I went to help and she joked, “You should just stay here until I finish.”
I stayed and helped her until she finished, but I was having a hard time
keeping a happy attitude. When I finally got back to sweeping, sewing, and
writing, I realized a lack of compassion kept me from truly wanting to help and kept me from helping joyfully. I started out happy to help, but then my eagerness to finish
my own important tasks distracted me. I did not have the right heart. I thought
my tasks were more important (and could not wait, although they really could
wait). If I had been concerned for my sister and her frustration towards math,
I would have been more eager to help. Compassion is being able to set aside my
plans so I can help someone who has a need.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to take care of personal
needs and tasks, but Jesus has made it clear that is important to consider the
needs of others and show them compassion. Proverbs 3:27-28 says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is
due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it’—when you have it with you.”
Don’t let “those to whom it is
due” make you selective in your help. Jesus clarified that we are to love
enemies as well as neighbors.
“And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two
miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one
who would borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall
love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:40-44).
I become selfish when I do not see other’s needs as important. Philippians 2:4 says,
Having compassion motivates people to continue to go and serve. Without compassion, helping and serving others becomes just an obligation and there is no love in it.
