Cultivate a Spirit of Compassion

“When Jesus heard about it, he withdrew from there by boat to a remote place to be alone. When the crowds heard this, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd, had compassion on them, and healed their sick.” (Matt. 14:13-14 CSB)

We all know that person, the one we can always count on, the one who would open their home to us in a heartbeat and make our favorite comfort food. I’ve always wanted to be that person. I don’t know how well I encompass this value, however. I like to think I am pretty good at the first part; I am someone others can count on. But the other parts stress me out a little. I am not good at opening my home (and sometimes my heart). And I know why. It is because I am focused on the wrong things. I can’t open my home because it’s a little messy; I am not a good cook; I am not comfortable or relaxed when entertaining because I am constantly judging my own performance.

I have known people who could fully exhibit hospitality at a moment’s notice. My mother-in-law was like that. She never met a stranger. She was everybody’s friend. She was an excellent cook and hostess. She never batted an eyelash at inviting someone in.

She passed away in March 2021, which has left a huge hole in my life. However, she left a wonderful example to follow.

I have always been an introvert and a fairly shy person, which contributes to my lack of the gift of hospitality. However, over the past few years, I have felt myself becoming a little more withdrawn and cynical. I don’t know if this cynicism comes with age or with watching the news or being on social media—maybe it is all of them combined—but I have noticed I am not as quick to be nice as I used to be, and I view many social interactions through a skeptical lens.

This is not how we are supposed to be.

In Matthew 14:13-14, Jesus heard about John the Baptist’s beheading. Jesus went away to be alone, but the crowd followed him. Instead of turning them away, telling them it was not a good time, which would have been understandable since his cousin had just been murdered by the local Roman ruler, Jesus had compassion on them. He put aside his own needs to minister to others.

Dictionary.com defines compassion as “a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.”

As a society, do we even come close to that? Do we have a strong desire to alleviate the suffering of others? Do we even have a small desire to alleviate the suffering of others?

In our daily lives, how are we putting others before ourselves? Are we more concerned about making sure we are happy and comfortable than about the needs of others?

Are we people others think of when they wonder who they can turn to in their time of need?

What can we do to become the person people know they can turn to? How can we reflect Jesus’ unselfish love to those we encounter in our lives?

We can start by cultivating a spirit of compassion.

Dear Lord, Help us become people who are compassionate and who are willing to share one another’s’ burdens. Give us opportunities to show your love to others. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! I say, ‘The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in him.'” (Lam. 3:22-23 CSB)

“Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.” (Col. 3:12-13 CSB)

 

“Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy.” (Isa. 30:18 CSB)

“The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is compassionate.” (Ps. 116:5 CSB)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Cor. 1:3-4 CSB)

 Reach for More

Look for ways to show others love and compassion this month. Who do you know that needs something? Whether it’s just a kind smile, a friendly note, or a home-cooked meal, what can you do to show someone they are loved?

Dana Herndon is a writer, blogger, and middle school teacher. She and her husband live in Georgia with their three children. In addition to teaching and writing, Dana loves to read, paddle board, and sometimes run. She blogs about faith, family, and enjoying the everyday life at danaherndon.com.

Photograph © Clem Onojeghuo used with permission