Day 6- Moved with Compassion!
Scripture-
"And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things." – Mark 6:34 (KJV)
Devotion-
Have you ever tried driving somewhere without turning on your GPS? You start off confident, then, you’re like where am I going! One wrong turn leads to another, and before you know it, yeah, you’re lost and questioning all your life choices.
That’s exactly how Jesus saw the crowd in Mark 6:34 – they were like lost sheep wandering without direction. They were spiritually hungry, searching for something real. WWJD- What would Jesus do? He didn’t roll His eyes and mumbled under his breath saying “Wow, these people are a mess.” No, He was moved with compassion and started teaching them.
How are you treating needy people? Are you turning them away? Let’s be like our Creator and pour into each other, guiding each other with love and truth. Let’s have a heart like Jesus. He steps in, teaches and leads us – He is the best kind of GPS, with infinite wisdom and no recalculating messages.
Reflection & Sharing-
How are you treating needy people? Are you turning them away?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
3 Comments
A blessed morning my brothers and sisters, for those who do not know, one of my loves is etymology.... I know weird huh? For those not familiar with the word etymology, it is the study of the origin of words. I bring this to you to say that when I look at the original meaning of the word compassion, it means "to suffer with", today's meaning speaks about having pity for....that is definitely not the same.... I could have pity on someone from a very aloft place and not suffer with them. To suffer with someone means to feel their pain... To stand in their place... To be them. Compassion is a huge undertaking when you try to do it without God. Compassion is putting yourself in somebody else shoes and as the old proverb says.... Walk a mile in some body else's shoes. Sometimes we forget about compassion and we are quick to make fun of others and judge others. Let us all remember that the Word of God teaches.... Judge not, less you be judged. In the same manner in which you judge, you too shall be judge... Matthew 7:1-2. Let's suffer with each other and as mother said, let's not roll our eyes or screw up our faces when we are dealing with each other. Let us understand where they have been, where they are coming from, the path of life they may have experienced.... Let us walk a mile in our brother's or sister's shoes and if we still don't understand compassion.... Walk another mile and yet another until we understand what it means to suffer with.... To have compassion for... Love you... God Bless.
As i meditate on the question, how am I treating needy people, I would initially say good I give money to people that panhandle at times. I volunteer during the holidays sometimes, I am a listening ear to my friend and family sometimes. Then I thought what if God was only there for me sometimes or when He felt like it.I would be SOL, we all would. My prayer is to be more consistent for those in need and to not judge the reason or make assumptions on why the person is in need.
As I meditate on today’s devotional, three of my closest friends come to mind. I admire them deeply, and they continuously hold me accountable in my spiritual journey.
No matter my need, whether emotional or financial, they are always there, ready to support me without me even having to ask. Their compassion and Christ-like nature inspire me to do the same for others. While I’m not quite there yet, and can be very self absorbed, may I always be attentive to the needs of others, showing kindness, compassion, and a heart willing to serve.
Let’s strive to be like Jesus pouring into each other, and guiding with love.