“You are the people of God…you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” – Colossians 3:12 (GNT)
All living things move in response to some stimuli. For example, for plants, light is a stimulus that triggers growth. For animals, hunger is an internal stimulus that pushes them to find food and eat.
Similarly, we all have many triggers. For some people, anger triggers quick action. For others, it may be fear, power, hatred, envy, and so on. However, as disciples of the Lord Jesus, we should ensure that we are moved or triggered by the same things that moved Jesus.
The Bible records on numerous occasions when Jesus was moved by compassion. While the dictionary defines compassion as sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it, the Bible shows that compassion is more about deep empathy. The original Greek word, “splagchnizomai”, describes a feeling that stirs in one’s “bowels” or gut. Compassion is more than merely sympathising; it triggers action.
As Jesus was moved by compassion, it became the driving force behind many of His miracles and interactions. Here are a few notable moments:
Compassion for the Confused and Helpless
Jesus had compassion on a confused, helpless crowd that was like sheep without a shepherd, so He implored His disciples to pray for more workers (Matthew 9:36-38).
Compassion for the Sick
Jesus had compassion on a crowd and healed their sick (Matthew 14:14). Similarly, He had compassion on two blind men who cried out to Him, so He touched their eyes and healed them (Matthew 20:30-34).
Compassion for the Outcast
Jesus had compassion on a man with leprosy. He put forth his hand, and touched the man and made him clean (Mark 1:41-42).
Compassion for the Hungry
Jesus had compassion on the crowd who had been with Him for three days and had nothing left to eat, so He miraculously fed them with seven loaves and a few fish (Mark 8:2-8).
Compassion for the Grieving
Jesus’ heart overflowed with compassion for a widow whose only son had died. “Don’t cry!” He said to the widow and raised her son back to life (Luke 7:13-15).
Compassion triggers action. As disciples of the Lord Jesus, let us copy Jesus. May our hearts be stirred to genuine compassion as we minister to the world.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, please help us to be more like Jesus, demonstrating a heart of genuine compassion in our ministry to the world, all for Your glory and honour. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Exodus 33:19; Psalm 116:5
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 84:1-7; Romans 1:1-17; 2 Kings 23; 2 Kings 24:1-7