The Price Of Compassion.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Eph. 4:32

In the 1870’s Lepers were sent to an Hawaiian Island called Molokai in The United States. They are  left to rot and die, and no attempt was made to cure or arrest the disease. Lepers were outcasts from society, separated from those they loved, suffering from a disease considered loathsome and unclean, all but abandoned by the medical profession, and without even the comfort of any but the most infrequent religious services. They easily succumbed to apathy and hopelessness. Many, disheartened to the point of desperation, seized upon anything that would give them a moment's surcease - alcohol, gambling, lewd dancing, and debauchery, until Father Damian, a Belgian Priest showed up amongst them. The shunned lepers rejected his work for 12 years. Ready to leave in despair, he noticed white spots on his skin and numbness—he had contracted leprosy himself. From that day on, he stopped saying "you people" and started saying "we lepers," finally winning their trust. He did a great job amongst them until he died, which was what he lived for and died for.

Compassion is a core attribute of God, reflecting His deep love, empathy, and desire to alleviate human suffering. God is not distant or indifferent to human suffering. He actively feels your pain and draws near when your heart is broken. This deep empathy ensures you are never alone in your darkest moments. God’s compassion moves Him to act on your behalf. He does not just pity your situation; He actively works to heal, restore, and provide for your needs. His empathy always leads to powerful, life-changing action. As believers we should show compassion because it mirrors Jesus' example, fulfills our new identity, proves God's love, and reflects His mercy. We express true compassion by entering into the emotional realities of others. This means celebrating their joys and sharing the heavy burden of their sorrows without judgment. 

Compassion must move beyond kind words and feelings into tangible, sacrificial actions. Believers are called to meet the immediate physical needs of those around them, such as providing food, clothing, or financial help. True love is demonstrated through actions, not just spoken words. Ignoring a brother or sister in need proves that God's love is missing from your heart. Showing compassion requires extending unmerited grace and forgiveness to those who cause offense. Believers must completely eliminate bitterness, rage, and harsh words from their lives. Instead, you should choose to be kind and tenderhearted to everyone. Your motivation to forgive others comes directly from the immense forgiveness you received from God through Christ Jesus. Selah!

FURTHER READING:

"If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."  1 John 3:17-18.

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."  Gal.  6:10.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Lord, shape my heart with Your love, teach me to feel for others, and help me show deep kindness every day. Take away hardness, pride, and coldness, and make my spirit tender toward the pain of the people around me. Help me see those who hurt, lonely people, and those in need instead of walking past, move my hands to help, my mouth to speak kind words, and my life to serve others the way Jesus does in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Prov. 31:1-31.

Eccle. 1:1-18.

Eccle. 2:1-26.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“Real Compassion Is Not Just Pity, It's Empathy Putting Yourself In The Person’s Shoe Enough To Do Something To Help His Condition.”