Maintain a Christlike Spirit of Compassion   

During my wife’s recent stay in the hospital, I was reminded of the importance of compassion. All of her caregivers seemed to be competent in their duties and adequately took care of her needs. However, we became especially endeared to certain staff members whose attitudes and actions revealed a special measure of compassion. It was obvious that they weren’t simply doing a job but truly cared for the health and comfort of their patients. They went the extra mile to attend to my wife and to make sure she had everything she needed, as well as looking after me while I was present for extended periods of time. When someone so graciously helps you in your time of need, you tend to form a special bond with that person.

Such a spirit of compassion should characterize us as followers of Jesus. After all, He manifested that quality throughout His earthly ministry. We are told of occasions when He had compassion on the multitudes when they came to Him looking for healing, when they were tired and hungry, and when they were like sheep without a shepherd. He lovingly ministered to them in their time of need. Jesus also showed compassion to individuals, healing them of their diseases and ministering to their souls. If this was such a prominent characteristic of Jesus, and if we should be following in His footsteps, then certainly we should be expressing this wonderful quality in our own interactions with others.

Over the centuries the Christian community has been rightfully involved in ministries of compassion. They have often been at the forefront of the building of hospitals, feeding the hungry, caring for the homeless, and providing relief during times of natural disasters. Even as I was writing this, I received notification of a church gathering resources in order to assist those in a neighboring state who were impacted by the recent hurricane. Such actions should be the norm for believers who ought to be known by their love for God and their love for their neighbor. It is a spirit that should not only manifest itself in the work of the organized church but in the daily lives of individual Christians. It should be seen in the way we treat other people, particularly how we respond to the needs of the people we encounter each day.

My concern is that we not lose that spirit of compassion in the midst of our current political and cultural climate. For example, no matter what you might think of government policies concerning immigration, we can still lovingly minister to the needs of the specific immigrants who cross our paths. And in the midst of debates over other social issues, we need to stand up for what is true and right, but at the same time not lose sight of the pain and suffering people may be undergoing. We can uphold biblical principles while still showing mercy and kindness to people in need.   

Additionally, as we face opposition and hostility from certain sectors of society due to our faith, let’s guard against allowing our hearts to grow hard and cold. On the one hand, we may need to be as firm as rocks when it comes to upholding truth and biblical principles. However, at the same time, we need to keep manifesting a gentle, loving spirit – especially being open to any opportunities that come our way to serve those in need.

Having a heart of compassion may be a better witness for Christ and have more of an impact on others than anything else you could say or do. Your act of kindness may mean the world to someone.