“In His Steps” Devotional Series
Editors note:
This article was taken from Day 3 of an HVC Devotional Series called “In His Steps” written in 2018.
Day 3: Compassion
By Madison Stringer
Why should we learn about compassion? It’s one of Jesus' most important virtues for loving our neighbors.
- it’s what drove God to sacrifice his one and only son for us
- it’s what pushes us to help those around us
- it’s such an important component of our Christian life
- it’s what fuels our acts of kindness and mercy
- it's a form of love
Let's look at just a few of the countless times Jesus showed his love through the compassion he had for people. He is our best example of a man full of compassion who demonstrated it throughout his time on earth.
The unclean leper
We know that in those days, people who had leprosy were considered unclean; they were excluded from society. Nobody wanted to see them, approach them, and the last thing anyone wanted to do was touch them. They were alone. No friends, no family. They didn't receive any form of love. What a dreadful and lonely life.
When the leper saw Jesus after hearing about everything he had already done...all the people he had healed... he had hope, perhaps for the first time in years. (Mark 1:40-42)
He had hope for:
- his life dramatically changing
- seeing his friends again
- kissing his mother again
- finally reuniting with his kids
- connecting with those he had been prohibited from approaching
We don't know this man’s past, but we know he was eager to change his life and future. When this man came to Jesus on his knees begging him to make him clean, Jesus was indignant with compassionate love. (v. 40-41)
Jesus was so in touch with people's emotions, with his surroundings. The moment he met the leper, he knew that his life wasn't easy, and wasn't deserved. Jesus didn't need to know this man’s past. He just saw him and had compassion for the stranger who was in front of him; he wanted to help.
Then he did the unthinkable. “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.” (v. 41)
The leper was desperate; he probably hadn't had anyone touch him in years. And here comes Jesus, who looks at him with the most sincere and loving eyes, who reaches out and gently touches this insecure man with the softest hands and heals him.
The large crowd
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” (Mk 6:34)
What does “like sheep without a shepherd” mean? They were wandering with no purpose, no goal, no final destination, simply letting life pass them by.
Why did Jesus have compassion for this vast group of people? All they wanted was to listen to Jesus speak. There is no sign of them being poor or sick. Why would Jesus show compassion towards them?
Need for a coach
This reminds me of athletes. An athlete can't get anywhere without a coach. An athlete needs a coach who has the right contacts, the proper knowledge, and the appropriate resources. If not, after a certain point, the athlete won't know where to go, how he should train next, when to push harder, and when to take a break. Like athletes, these people needed someone to coach them and guide them.
So what did Jesus do? He saw their need and took action. He became their “coach.”
What's the common denominator between the people of this crowd and the sick and poor people Jesus heals, like the man with leprosy?
They are suffering, whether it's physical or spiritual. And they are lost. They need and want guidance.
Pity vs. compassion
The word compassion comes from two Latin words “suffer” and “with”. Showing compassion means to suffer with someone, to get involved in a person's life, to be a part of that person's suffering.
However, we mustn't mistake compassion for pity. Pity is defined as “sympathetic or kindly sorrow evoked by the suffering or misfortune of another.” (Dictionary.com)
Pity expresses a feeling. And compassion is a reaction to that feeling. Pity isn't a bad thing, but by itself, it's not enough, it's not complete. You can feel pity for someone or show them compassion. That's love. We have to go the extra step to distinguish this crucial difference.
What's the point in saying, “I love you” to someone if it doesn't mean anything to that person? It needs to be accompanied by action.
That’s the difference between pity and compassion. Compassion is love, because of the action that comes with it.
Welcoming the children
“Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:36-37
It’s important to know that in the first century, children had little to no rights. Often seen as a nuisance, they were tolerated but not welcome. (lifesong.org)
So what is Jesus saying here? He is asking us to welcome the children, those excluded, looked down upon, and those who want love. Those are the types of people who need us the most; they are lonely, insecure, and lost.
Taking Action
When Jesus showed compassion he didn't sit around pitying people. He took action.
When the man with leprosy came to him, Jesus heard him and cleaned him. When he saw the crowd running to listen to him, he sympathized with them and taught them. We see the disciples following Jesus, despite their hunger and fatigue. (Mark 6:3-34)
Jesus saw the needs, saw the willingness of the people to be guided, and met those needs even when it meant putting off his own needs for a little while.
We must also be aware of those who are suffering in silence. Let’s look for them and show them compassion, too.
Let's be like Jesus, let us love and care for those who need our love!
Madison Stringer Bio
My name is Madison Stringer. I’m originally from Calgary, Canada, but when I was 10 years old, I moved to Lyon, France with my family. I would most definitely consider myself to be more European in my habits, but I will forever remain Canadian at heart.
I’m currently based in Geneva, Switzerland, where I’m doing a Research Master’s in Neuroscience. I also do a lot of physical training as I am on the French bobsledding team. Suffice it to say, sports and school take up a good chunk of my time. :-)
A few years ago, I started to get more involved in HOPE worldwide and eventually, I got the opportunity to be one of their Global Service Interns (GSI). I wrote this devotional a few years ago when I first started the internship, as I was preparing to lead a Hope Volunteer Corps in Haiti. It was heavily inspired by previous Volunteer Corps I had done with HOPEww, in the Philippines and in Zambia.
2 Comments
Jun 16, 2022, 8:46:10 AM
Jeanine Petro - You are an impressive young woman. I was so drawn into your devotional. It was perfectly placed for me this morning. I am convicted to be reminded that there are such impressive young people out in our world. I sometimes feel left behind, and in no way want dismay to bleed into my 13 year olds upbringing. It is inspiration like your's that helps me remember that the kingdom has strong branches to know my child can climb to. Thanks for sharing this beautiful conviction. Truly, Jeanine Petro, Broward Church (South Florida). www.caretocalm.com
May 27, 2022, 4:45:49 PM
Sharon - Thank you, Madison, for this heart-moving devotional. I love the way you explained the difference between pity and compassion. This devotional inspires me to look beyond the outward and see people's hurts and needs; then demonstrate true compassion by my actions