Heart of Compassion

34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

Mark 6:34 (ESV)

Compassion is one thing the world could use more of. As Christians we should be able to offer it not for any personal gain but because we ourselves are recipients of an unending source of compassion. You see compassion by definition means a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another that is accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate their suffering. Now compassion seeks no personal gain from their acts of compassion. The heart of true compassion offers it and never says I have done this look at me. It is done solely to the benefit of the one who it is shown to. We might use the terms grace, mercy or kindness to explain an act of compassion.  When we as Christians show compassion to others we reflect the heart of Jesus and God towards a lost and dying world. It was in compassion that Jesus went to the cross and suffered unto death for us so that one day we might have eternal life with Him.

I wanted to share these scriptures to help you better understand the compassion we have received and must be willing to share.

36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6:36 (ESV)

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15 (ESV)

12  Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13  bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:12-15 (ESV)

I challenge you today if you do not have a compassionate heart ask God to change it. He has shown you compassion and as Christians we must be able to show others that same compassion we have received. I pray God brings a compassionate spirit into your life as you walk in the light of His Word.