I have read some disturbing news articles that make me realize we are losing our compassion as a society. In one article a little girl was left in the street after being hit by a car and the other was an elderly woman, also hit by a car and left in the street. It wasn't the people who committed the hit and runs that shocked me so much as the witnesses who just looked and went on their way. Even when confronted with their actions for not helping, the excuses were in my opinion weak at best. Where is our compassion?
Your position in life doesn't make you compassionate, religion doesn't make you compassionate, and ignoring need definity doesn't make you compassionate. Compassion must be cultivated and it is cultivated when it does something. Now, how many are saying "I just dont know what to do?" Just do something..anything.
Compassion means involvement. Look at the Luke 10:25-37, the story of the good Samaritan. Especially verse 33. Notice how the Samaritan was on a journey. Sometimes showing compassion is inconvenient, you just think you are too busy. The need for compassion always seems to manifest itself when we are at our busiest, haven't you noticed that as well? Also notice how the Samaritan stumbled upon him. You do not need to look very hard to find need. The opportunity to be compassionate is always there. Finally, the Samaritan felt compassion. Somehow he identified with this injured man (he could have been anyone, his brother, neighbor, enemy, etc) and he was moved with compassion and he did SOMETHING!
Now we have gone over how compassion may be inconvenient but it also takes time. In verse 34 the Samaritan takes the time to bandage the man's injuries with oil and wine. He also takes the man to an inn and spends the night caring for him. One of the worst things I can imagine is standing before Jesus and realizing I didn't do all I could. I am pretty sure he would not hesitate to show me all the time I have wasted. Galatians 6:2 states "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
But here is where we seem to lose people with compassion because it costs something. Compassion costs SOMETHING, but, I do not think just giving our resources (money, clothes, food) is an equal sustitute for our own involvment. The Samaritan not only gave (money for the inn, cloth for bandages, expensive oil and wine) he was also involved. He gave his time and his skill for caring for the wounded man. A little of your time and an ounce of your skill can go a lot farther than just giving a few bucks here and there. Lamentations 3:22-23 states "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Every morning our opportunity to be compassionate renews itself.
I believe God derives pleasure from his children with the simple things we do for each other. He gives us many opportunities to be compassionate. So go out there and do something...anything...just something. All of these small acts add up to make the world a better place and if you think about it without the compassion of Jesus Christ you would not be sitting here right now.
