“When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd [waiting], and He was moved with compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd [lacking guidance]; and He began to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:34 AMP)
REFLECTION
In the space of a few hours, I found my heart full of compassion toward a fearful and tearful young student, prayerfully seeking to help him in any way I could…to later having not a trace of compassion — only intense irritation — towards a distracted and undisciplined older student. Both students needed grace, guidance and compassion, and both confirmed (in different ways) my own need for grace, guidance and compassion. And I was reminded that…
“God treats everyone alike. He accepts people only because they have faith in Jesus Christ. All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.” (Romans 3:22-24 CEV)Read full chapter
We can only have genuine compassion for people (including ourselves) — irrespective of state — when we more deeply know the compassion of Christ. So let’s ask Him for a deeper revelation of His compassion and to teach us how to prayerfully and carefully cultivate compassion, as we interact with others by His grace.
PRAYER POEM
LORD, please forgive any hint of hypocrisy in my life and for anything I’ve said or done that caused stress and strife. Teach me how to teach others in ways that are full of compassion, mindful of The Great Commission.
