In Matthew 14, a tragedy had just happened. A dear friend of Jesus, John the Baptist, had been beheaded by King Herod. Jesus, being emotionally moved by what had just taken place, went to a solitary place to be alone. But when the crowds found out where he was, they came to him. Instead of being frustrated at them, Jesus had compassion on them and healed all their sick.

Matthew 14:13-14  When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 

Sometimes, when we are going through hard things, we are tempted to say, “Forget everyone else; I’m having a hard time myself.” I don’t know about you, but I have felt like this before. But, living with compassion like Jesus is possible when God is empowering you. King David had a revelation of God’s heart of compassion and wrote: “Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. Ps 25:6-7

King David understood the forgiving, kind, and compassionate nature of God. Jesus was so compassionate and selfless that he was able, even amid his own storm, to help others in need. This kind of love does not come from an act of one’s will but from an infusion from heaven. I often see myself as a sponge. What I soak in will determine what comes out when I am squeezed. The key to life is not what I strive to do but what I receive and am filled with. I always tell the church, “You will never work it up – you must soak it up.”

The prophet Isaiah said, “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” Isaiah 30:18

Our focus and effort must be on receiving from God instead of doing for God! When God’s ability rather than yours dominate your thought life, you will find great success! When your mind is at peace because you trust in God’s ability to handle life’s situations, your effectiveness as a person of love will skyrocket!

Today, my prayer is that your most excellent effort will focus on receiving rather than doing. Right believing produces right living! Oh, yes, today is your day to rest more completely in God’s compassion and love for you! As you do, you can be sure that your life will reflect the love of Jesus and his…

Compassion