Move With Compassion: A 7-Day Advent DevotionalSample

The wait is over: Christmas marks the long-anticipated arrival of Jesus. The Son of God has come to dwell among us, in our neighborhood. His arrival allows us to clearly see God's heart for people all over this global neighborhood. What Jesus sees, feels, and does models for us what it looks like to be a good neighbor in a world so desperate for good neighbors.

“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude...”

Jesus looked out and before Him stood all kinds of people, every one of them in need. Jesus has invited us to see the needs of people all over the globe. By looking at the world through His eyes, we can see how brokenness plagues the human experience, especially impacting the young and most vulnerable. You’ve read stories of children impacted by illness, lack, and grief. You have been made aware of your surrounding neighborhood.

But Jesus does not leave us staring at this painful picture—there’s more. We’re called to know His heart for those living in brokenness.

“...and was moved with compassion toward them...”

The image of a hurting crowd moves Jesus with compassion. He feels for those impacted by the brokenness of this world. Jesus shows us the needs of this world so that we might feel the same way He feels—so that we might feel compassion, a need to relate with and relieve the pain of others.

You’ve read of Jesus’ heart for children living in poverty—but you have also seen the amazement and joy He feels from seeing the faith of His little ones. It’s out of the same faith in God’s power to transform lives that our compassion leads to action.

“...and he healed their sick.”

Jesus acts to meet the needs of the crowd. He invites the sick, the lame, and the hurt—and they leave healthy, restored, and comforted.

You are called to move as Jesus did, to be His hands and feet in the global neighborhood. Your actions may not directly lead to miracles, but every encouraging word, prayer, and act of generosity works to bring the good news of the Christmas season—Jesus—to life.

Following His example by being a good neighbor allows the world to see that Jesus has come with hope, love, and care to meet us in our need—that He is Immanuel, God with us.