SHOWN COMPASSION TO SHOW COMPASSION

"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:35, 36

Compassion. There often isn't much of it in our dog eat dog world. Survival of the fittest. Win at all costs. Look out only for yourself. Climb the corporate ladder no matter who you have to step on. Show compassion? Ha! That's for the weak to do. Jesus had compassion on people when he lived in this compassionless world. He healed the sick and injured. Most compassionately of all, he preached and taught the good news of free forgiveness and eternal life to souls burdened by guilt and sin. You are on the receiving end of God's compassion. Before the world began, God knew your name and had chosen you to belong to him eternally. In compassion God sent his Son in the flesh to save you from the guilt and punishment of your sins. In compassion God brought you into his family through his Holy Spirit who brought you to faith. In compassion God daily protects you with his angels and provides for all your needs. In compassion God hears all your prayers and is preparing a room for you in heaven. In compassion God is working out everything that happens to you (even the bad and sad) for your eternal good. God has shown you compassion. With an appreciative heart, go and show others compassion with your words and actions. You can't heal the sick like Jesus did. But you can help ease someone's pain. Above all, you can tell a burdened soul about a compassionate and forgiving God. God, thank you for treating me daily with compassion. Help me to share your compassionate love with others. May they see your compassion and love through me. Amen.