The word compassion is one of the oldest in Scripture. The New Testament Greek lexicon says this word means “to be moved as to one’s bowels… (For the bowels were thought to be the seat of love and pity).” It shares a root system with splanchnology, the study of visceral parts. Compassion, then, is a movement deep within—a kick in the gut.
Perhaps that is why we turn away. Who can bear such an emotion? Especially when we can do nothing about it. Why look suffering in the face if we can’t make a difference?
Yet if we could? What if our attention could reduce someone’s pain? This is the promise of the encounter.
Then Peter said, “ Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping and praising God. (Acts 3:6-8)
What if Peter had said, “Since I don’t have any silver and gold, I’ll keep my mouth shut?” But he didn’t. He placed his mustard seed sized deed (a look and a touch) in the soul of God’s love. And look what happened.
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Mark 6:34
My Prayer: Gracious Lord, in he Bible you are called “the One who sees me”, and I know that your eyes are always upon me to guide, protect, bless and correct. You have given me eyes too, and I ask that would grant me the power to use them to truly see. Help me see those you put in my path-really see them, with all their hurts, their desires, their longings, their needs, their joys and their challenges. And as you open my eyes, prompt me to open wide my arms to offer whatever help and encouragement I have to give. In Jesus’ name I pray today, Amen.
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