When you see someone in distress, do you feel compassion? When someone is in need, do you check to see if you can be of help? When Jesus told the parable about the Jewish man who had been beaten and left for dead, He mentioned that a priest and a Temple assistant both saw him there and passed over. Then came a Samaritan, whom the Jews despised, put olive oil and wine on his wounds. Picked the Jewish man up, placed him on his donkey and took him to an inn where he took care of him. Even paid the innkeeper to look after him. Jesus then asked the question, “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” In verse 33 of this passage in Luke chapter 10 it reads, “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him."
In today's world, many of us would have done the same thing that the first two gentlemen did, walked right on by not even giving a second thought about the man. But God is a God of compassion. Jesus displayed compassion during His ministry here on earth. We are to imitate Him.
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
Matthew 9:36 NLT
Prayer: God, I thank You today for the compassion that You have shown to me. I ask You that you help me to have a heart of compassion. Show me those people in my life today that you want me to reach and to give compassion. Give me the courage to take that step of bold obedience to do what You are leading me to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen!