Christ’s Compassion
by Manang Brenda Odangga
Compassion started from one Pastor’s compassion.
Those who have been given compassion are not only able by absolutely willing to give compassion.
What is compassion? Differentiate it from sympathy (pity) and empathy (putting ourselves in someone’s shoes). Compassion is sympathy and empathy combined, with a motivation to act towards positive change and compassion.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.Galatians 5:22-24
Where is compassion? It is a fruit of the fruit, so to speak – The action that follows the fruit.
Sharing the story of Naomi and Ruth. Naomi was abandoned by both husband and sons, and was certainly bitter about it. Ruth felt that she could not leave her, even with Naomi insisting she goes back to her homeland. Ruth had compassion towards Naomi – and it wasn’t just a one-time thing, but she committed to stay with her. Compassion is enduring. It is patient, it is kind.
Sharing the story of Joseph. He showed compassion to his brothers – the same ones who betrayed him – when they bowed before him, the second next to Pharaoh. Compassion does not keep record of wrongs.
Sharing the story of Moses – the one who was drawn out from the water. Moses, the one who came within the generation which forgot the Pharaoh who knew and promoted Joseph. The Egyptian Princess’ maid saw Moses as a baby – the Hebrew baby received compassion from the Egyptian princess. Compassion does not insist on its own way.
Moses had compassion. Standing up for his people. Compassion does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.Psalms 103:8
In the New Testament, it is Christ, the Darling of Heaven, who showed compassion and kindness at the cross.
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”Matthew 9:36-38
Christ not only had sympathy but demonstrated empathy, and ultimately had compassion beyond emotions, ministering to the people and calling others to do the same.
Not being content with merely healing people, and teaching them, Christ fed them as well. It was all coming from a heart of compassion.
Jesus had empathy to the family of the folks whose lost a loved one – going beyond telling them not to cry, but to actually raising people from the dead. A simple being with someone is already compassion, in volumes.
Christ’s compassion is personal and intimate.
29 And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30 And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.Matthew 20:29-34
Christ’s compassion leads to healing. Christ’s compassion is deep, outrageous as the father embraced the prodigal son.
How Do We Show Compassion?
When we receive the Lord Jesus Christ, we receive the compassion of God. Read that again – not only do we believe and receive the everlasting love of God, but we receive the compassion of God.
Even in conflict, we realize we are flawed, but compassion brings us to forgiveness. Compassion brings us to understanding.
How can we encourage compassion with others, if we do not have compassion among ourselves?
By this they shall know that we are Christ’s when we have compassion with each other.
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