What happened to compassion? Seriously, when did compassion go out of style? Isn’t it time that we found compassion deep within our hearts and expressed it to the world around us. Could there be a better time than right now to let compassion loose in great expressions in the world?
There was a time when we would respond to the hurt of the world with the love and concern of our hearts. We would feel something deep within our being when we saw pictures of starving children, suffering people around the world, and victims of horrific crimes and tragedies. We were moved by the site of animals who were wounded. We were deeply touched by the stories of those who were enduring great hardship. Very simply, we cared.
Jesus exemplified a ministry of compassion. Numerous times in the Gospels we find Jesus coming upon crowds of people and the Gospels record that he had compassion on them and then he took some type of action. Typically, Jesus would begin to heal people of their brokenness. Jesus was deeply concerned about their well-being and when he saw the trouble, the fear, the broken places, Jesus responded from the heart to love them above everything else going on in the moment and care for those needs. Jesus lived this way as an example for you and for me as to how we should live our lives around others.
Compassion appears to be a rare commodity these days. People are exasperated by the pandemic, and they are struggling to find a solid place to stand. Futures are in flux, and it feels like the whole world is changing, and that feeling is true. In moments like these we can be tempted to turn inward, which also reduces our compassion for others. “Me” and, “Mine,” take the place of, “Us,” and, “All.”
Then there is the polarization sown like tares among the wheat. Many of those charged with protecting the wheat, actively sow weeds, sometime without even knowing. We’ve divided nearly everything in to “Us vs. Them.” Along with that division, we’ve unfortunately embraced a Zero Sum Mentality. This is the belief that there is only so much resource to go around, and I have to get mine before someone else takes it. The combination leads us to see those with us and the rest are enemies.
What if, as common as this thinking is becoming, there was another perspective? What if that perspective was already in our grasp? What if we considered God’s perspective? I am not suggesting that we find ways to make it seem as if God endorses us, but rather, that we humble ourselves before God, lean not on our own understanding, and follow the path marked out for us.
Imagine life where we saw each other as people of infinite worth, made in the image of God, and so important to God that Jesus gave his life for all of us. We could take Jesus’ word to love and pray for our enemies as more than a kind suggestion, but rather, a kingdom command. Just picture our world as a place where we valued one another even in our differences, a place where we truly cared about each other. Just what might happen if God’s kingdom comes and God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven? We’ve been praying that most of our lives. Does it really make any difference?
As we walk through this Lenten season, drawing closer to the celebration of Easter, can we see the saving power of God at work in our world, even when it is not as we expected, or maybe even wanted? Can we fully trust God? Can we embrace the teaching and example of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and look upon a broken and hurting world, and be moved with compassion? Oh , to think what would happen if we replaced political ideologies, personal preferences, our comfort zone, and every other thing that brings division, with the blessed gift of compassion.
I see a day when where we hear political news and our anger, doubt, and even hatred, is replaced by a heart of flesh that looks to God in faith. I see a day where, instead of taking advantage of a painful news headline, we let God break our hearts for people in grief and pain. I see a day where we will humbly consider others of more value than ourselves.
I see a day. Can you see it?
What a wonderful sentiment to read this morning! I agree and feel great sadness at the “tone” I see and hear everyday. I am thankful for this reminder of the voice I need to listen to. I need to be sure my own voice and actions reflect the teachings of Christ.
Thank you Pastor Chuck. If we are truly followers of Jesus we will live by his example of compassionate grace. To do so is not for the faint of heart – it often means putting aside our own fears and needs to “stand with” those who are wounded, marginalized and unseen by others. We find ourselves in a culture that values being adversarial and divisive. in their quest to demonstrate their cleverness and insight, people do great damage and create an “Us vs. Them” mindset. To overcome we must be counter-cultural and do just what you state: see the intrinsic value of every person as a child of God and offer God’s abundant grace and compassion. That compassion starts when we look in the mirror. I fully believe that if every person understood how much they are loved by God, we wouldn’t have this problem.
I’ve come to understand that humility is of the utmost importance.