In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters—compassion. As we rush through our daily routines, it’s worth pausing to check in with ourselves and reflect on how we are treating others. Do we make time for people, or are we too busy to notice those in need?
A Divided World in Need of Compassion
Our world is deeply divided, especially in political seasons where name-calling, blame, and dehumanization become rampant. Even within our own communities and churches, differing opinions can cause rifts. Instead of embracing the diversity of thought as a gift from God, we often divide ourselves into “us vs. them,” losing sight of the fact that each of us is made in the image of God.
It’s become too easy to overlook those who don’t fit into our worldview or align with our beliefs. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to a higher standard. Jesus taught us to love one another as He has loved us. This means acting with compassion, even when it’s inconvenient or goes against the grain of our current culture.
The Golden Rule Revisited
We live in a time where many have forgotten the importance of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Instead, many live by a different rule: “He who has the gold makes the rules.” However, as Christians, we know that Jesus calls us to go beyond basic kindness. He asks us to love as He has loved—deeply, sacrificially, and without condition.
A Lesson from Jesus and Bartimaeus
In Mark 10:46-52, we read about Jesus healing a blind man named Bartimaeus. This story is a profound example of how Jesus practiced compassion. As He was on His way to Jerusalem, where He would soon make His triumphant entry, He stopped to help a blind beggar crying out for mercy.
Despite His busy schedule, Jesus made time for Bartimaeus. He didn’t overlook him, even when others rebuked Bartimaeus and told him to be quiet. Jesus listened, responded with compassion, and healed him. This story teaches us that no matter how busy we are, we must be willing to pause, listen, and respond with love.
Making Time for Compassion
One of the biggest challenges we face today is making time for others. Our lives are filled with noise—literal and figurative. We often move so fast that we fail to see those around us who are hurting. But Jesus shows us a different way. He teaches us that true compassion requires us to slow down, notice the needs of others, and take action.
In my own life, I’ve seen the power of compassion modeled by people like my mother, who made time for a woman named Ella, despite having a busy schedule. Ella didn’t fit into the usual mold of our community, but my mother went out of her way to make her feel welcome and loved. This small act of compassion made a significant impact on Ella’s life and taught me the importance of making time for those who need it most.
Living Compassion Every Day
As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect God’s compassion in all areas of our lives. Philippians 2:4 reminds us to “look not only to [our] own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Compassion isn’t just about feeling sorry for someone—it’s about taking action. It’s about doing something to meet the needs of those around us, even when it’s inconvenient.
James 2:14-17 takes this a step further, reminding us that faith without action is dead. If we claim to have faith but don’t show it by helping others, our faith is useless. True compassion is demonstrated through our deeds.
Conclusion: Let Your Light Shine
At the heart of compassion is the call to let our light shine before others, as Jesus instructs in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our world desperately needs the light of Jesus, and it’s through our acts of love and compassion that we can bring healing and hope.
Let us commit to living with compassion, pausing to notice those in need, and taking action that reflects the heart of God. In a world that often prioritizes self-interest, may we be known as people who put others first, just as Jesus did.
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