Devotion: Compassion
Compassion
Please read the scripture from the weekend: Mark 6:30-44
There are a few versions of this passage in the Gospels but I think I like this one the best! Jesus shows compassion a number of times first to his disciples telling them they need to rest, then to the crowd. In case you weren’t able to hear Pastor Eric’s message from the weekend, I urge you to catch it on our church’s website. He spoke of two kinds of compassion, both of which we have already in our lives and have become “part of life” now. But I would like you all to experience possibly a third kind of compassion. Praying for opportunities to witness compassion.
I don’t know if you have noticed the fact that when God’s people are in need of any kind, He sends people. The members of the Healthcare field are true warriors in this respect. These special God-guided folks have proved themselves over and over during this troubled time. He gives us this gift of compassion. He calls us to compassion. I have told you before, and the scriptures are rich with it, to be specific in our prayers. Many people for example, pray for patience. Careful! As one pastor told me years ago, “Don’t pray for patience, that’s the day He gives you four flat tires! He doesn’t give you patience but gives you opportunities to prove you have it.”
In these troubling times when we are often having “Compassion Fatigue,” He calls us to rest, but also, maybe to strengthen us by showing us we’re still on the right track. Look for His signs that compassion is still alive in our world. I don’t mean like the commercials on TV of kindness. I mean everyday occurrences we witness, even in our weary lives. The other morning, I was at my daughter’s daycare waiting to take school-agers to their appointed schools. One of the 4 two-year-olds, had gotten in some mischief and was crying when 3-year-old Evelyn opened her arms and said, “Aww, come here.” I watched as the child in question automatically went into her arms for a hug. Nicki models compassionate behaviors for the children and they in turn do that for each other (sometimes whether they deserve it or not!). They are learning the gift of Compassion.
Do you ever sit somewhere and just watch people? Taking the time to just observe? Whether it’s opening a door for someone else even though you aren’t going through the same door, or taking a moment to answer someone looking for something (we all have that look on our faces when we’re confused or lost), observe compassion. Receive rest and restore faith that you have a compassionate soul.
I love the part of the scripture from Mark 6:37 when Jesus tells his disciples, “You give them something to eat.” He knows they are tired but He also knows we can count on the inner strength He gives us to produce more compassion than we thought possible. The living water of Christ’s life flows through each one of us, strengthening us, restoring us to continue His mission here on earth. In the version in John 6:5-6, Jesus sees the crowd coming and says to Phillip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asks this only to test him for He already had in mind what he was going to do.”
Jesus has the answers for us. He knows what is inside us and what we are capable of with strength from our Heavenly Father. Let us pray for more opportunities. And the strength when these appear, we are called to act we reflect the image of Christ.
Heavenly Father, your scripture is perfect for our lives and prepares us for your service. Help us see these opportunities as He sends them and boldly answer His call to compassion. And let Christ be seen in me to shine Your light to our world. Amen
Written by Fran Baatz
Fran has been a lifelong member of Sheridan as the first baby girl to be baptized back in 1953 as her parents were charter members.
She loves to serve as a part of the Hospitality team as well as one of the Sheridan quilting teams. She is also a member of Lydia Circle.
Fran has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren she adores as well as her two daughters.