… be compassionate …
Summary: Compassion flows from a tender heart. It is a desire to help coupled with wisdom to know when and how to help.
When I read today’s short passage, “be compassionate,” I am reminded of the words of God’s prophet, Ezekiel. He is relating what the Lord told him to say about the eventual return of Israel to the promised land. When the people of God have been gathered from the nations and brought back to Israel, they will purge the land of all “vile images and detestable idols.” When that happens God will give them new hearts and a new spirit. Ezekiel quotes God:
“I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”
— Ezekiel 11: 19 (b)
The word compassionate is sometimes rendered “tender-hearted.” A heart of stone could never be tender. But a heart of flesh hurts when others are hurting. To be sympathetic is to be able to relate to others. To be compassionate is to hurt for others even when they cannot relate to you.
There is an old saying that goes like this: When you are a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
One day a little boy was given a hammer to play with. When his dad came out to the garage to use the car, there were tiny hammer marks all up and down the sides. Being compassionate is having mercy on the car. Being aware of the damage caused by banging on it, we choose not to use our hammer that way. (Being compassionate is also having mercy on the kid!)
We are always in a position to hammer on someone else. We don’t like the clothes they wear, how they stand, what they say. We disagree with their theology, the way they sing in the choir, the fact that they don’t do more. We know better than the pastor how he should run his church. We know how the family with small kids should behave. We know a lot of things that others don’t know (and don’t want to know).
Compassion is allowing someone else to be who they are unless they ask for help. Then compassion is helping. Not taking over. Not assuming authority. Just … helping.
Application: Practice compassion by withholding your opinions when they are not helpful and being willing to help when help is needed.
Food for Thought: How are passion and compassion related?
Heart keeps comming to mind when I try to relate them. So maybe compassion could be passion of the heart.
Psalm 86:15 But You, Lord are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth.
Luke 6:36. Show mercy and compassion for others, just as your heavenly Father overflows with mercy and compassion for all.
Sorry I didn’t find the verses until after I had my coffee and quiet/prayer time.
Thanks, Tim!
You are doing great!!
I was in the first grade and we lived in Kennewick Washington. During the summer, I would tell my mom I was going someplace and would just explore everywhere. One day I discovered the garbage dumpster at the local market. I looked inside and was shocked to see all the great fruit they were throwing away. The cantaloupe were the best. Just little spots on them but mostly good. So I went home and got my little brother and two spoons. We went back, somehow climbed into the dumpster and began to feast. It was great until the lid was lifted and a man was looking down at us asking “what are you doing?” He got us out of the dumpster and took us into the store. I thought we were in real trouble. Turned out he was the store butcher. He sat us down at a table in the back, went away, came back with milk, bread lunch meat and Mayo. Poured milk for us and started making sandwiches for us. He felt compassion toward us and was passionate about quickly getting this situation properly resolved.
Jesus has compassion for all mankind with a passion shown as He endured the brutal beating and crucifixion on the cross.
Isaiah 52:14-15, 14, Just as many were astonished and appalled at you, My people, so His appearance was marred more than any man and His form [marred] more than the sons of men. 15, So He will sprinkle many nations [with His blood, providing salvation], Kings will shut their mouths because of Him; For what they had not been told they will see, and what they had not heard they will understand.
Ron,
What a touching story! I love how you shared your “treasure” with your little brother. I also love the butcher’s response. Thank you for sharing this amazing memory!
I’m not sure how I’ll keep up with you in BSF Ron , but I’m always excited to read everyone’s comments and learn from people who know the truth.
Hey Tim,
Saw you signed up. You are going to do just great. Looking forward to being together as we study and apply Gods word to our lives.
Blessings,
Ron
Tim,
I want to second what Ron said. I think you will find BSF a very rewarding investment of your time. Well done!
Ron,
I want to add one more thought to your story:
You have illustrated an aspect of compassion that is important. The butcher who found two little boys in the dumpster could have been angry with them and chased them off. He could have scolded them for being unsafe. He could have dragged them home and lectured their mom.
He didn’t do any of those things. He restrained his authority and power and instead of trying to force change on the situation he offered understanding and food. Instead of hammering on them, he offered a hand.
It is using authority and power to nurture rather than force change that sets compassion apart from being sympathetic.
Good devotion and interesting question. I think passion is the emotion that puts feet to compassion – that is, that leads to action. We often refer to the passion of the Christ. Messiah Jesus was moved out of a passion and love for people. This passion led Him to the compassionate rescue of human souls through the cross.
Thank you, Rich!
I love your response! Passion is the feet to compassion. Well said! And yes, Jesus certainly models both for us. Thank you!
👍🏻