--"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them." --(Matthew 9:36) [Please Read/ Luke 10:25-42] ------- --Today's key verse shows that Jesus was given to compassion. It was characteristic of HIs entire life. As Christ's followers, we are called to possess the same virtue. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5). Stephen is an example of this In his dying moments, as the stones rained down on him, he prayed for his persecutors: "Lord lay not this sin to their charge" (Acts 7:60).
Peter wrote, "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another" (1 Peter 3:8). It is easy for me to scratch your back if you scratch mine. But by nature we find it difficult to show compassion to those who oppose us. The martyrs of old were called to exemplify Christ under grueling circumstances, and it is still so today. Only with the mind of Christ can we be compassionate to those who hate or mistreat us.
In today's Bible reading both the priest and the Levite held respected positions, but neither had time or compassion for the needy. Though each saw the need and was able to help, both passed by the man in distress. Along came a Samaritan who knew how it feels to be rejected and looked down on. The despised are often the ones with enough compassion to stop and offer help. The Samaritan not only gave assistance but also paid for the victim's medical care.
How is it with us? When we see someone in distress, do we take time to give compassionate help? Are we willing to get down in the dirt and even get our hands bloody to minister to the suffering? We need the compassion of Christ to identify with needy ones and help them as we would want to be helped.
--"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." --[Luke 6:31] --BSW/DY~
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." [John 14:6]
