Contagious Characteristics: CompassionSample

As discussed on day 3, compassion is a feeling of pity and concern for the sufferings of others. It states, "what's mine is yours, and I'm going to share it!" It is a deep and powerful force that controls how we interact with another person. Our compassion for someone motivates us from the inside out to act on their behalf. In other words, compassion comes from our hearts. To have compassion for someone means to not only "feel" for them, but to also DO something to help them, just like the Samaritan man did for the injured Jew. Let's take a look at a couple of things I believe Jesus wanted us to learn from this parable. 

Jesus will never challenge us to do something that He has not done.

Jesus has always been and will always be our example. Jesus was able to challenge this Jewish man to show compassion because it was something that Jesus Himself had mastered. One day, Jesus had been teaching the crowds for three days. As the crowds were approaching him, He told his disciples, "I have compassion on the crowd." He said this because He had realized that they hadn't eaten anything since they've been with him. (Matthew 15:32) Beyond seeing their need, Jesus did not only move to their need, but He also met their need by multiplying seven loaves of bread and a few small fish.

To love people, we must move toward them, not avoid them.

The mark of maturity for every believer is by how we love. Jesus had no obligation to feed 4,000 people, and the Samaritan had no obligation to help the injured Jewish man, however, both had an understanding that because we are loved by God, we cannot withhold love from others. As believers, we are to move towards those who are in need, and the way that we can best demonstrate that is by loving them through our actions (1 John 3:18).

Let's pray. "Lord, thank you for moving towards me in my time of need. Thank you for being our example and helping me to follow in Your footsteps. In Jesus' name, amen."

Reflection Questions:

1. In what ways have you witnessed Jesus meet your personal needs?

2. Think of a person you know is in need. What can you do to move to their needs and show compassion towards them?