When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Luke 7:13
A newborn cries, a little one falls and howls, in the softly spoken words of a friend facing life changing difficulties we hear the anguish, and the weeping of someone whose heart is broken feels unbearable to us. In hearing these pleas that reach to us for help and understanding, our hearts are tugged at and squeezed with emotion. We clearly feel their pain - their need - and instinctively we want to do something to alleviate their suffering, even when we may feel inadequate, that what we have to offer seems insignificant. Most of us feel compelled to make every attempt to soothe the newborn, cradle the child that has scraped his knee, reassure with a hug and help out the friend with her problems, and comfort the one who is in deep sadness. But it is by far more challenging to comfort those who behave in an unloving manner toward us. Yet if we, in our limited wisdom and ability, are pulled toward what is the right thing to do even then, if we feel compelled to comfort those around us in our imperfect capability, if our hearts can swell and feel to such a degree that we are moved toward assisting and comforting those in need, no matter where they stand with us, just imagine the compassion God has for us! In the limited depth of our feeling and response, we are given glimpses of God’s immeasurable love, reassurance and help, all of which are at hand for each of us to receive.
Jesus taught us a lot about compassion in this passage. He showed us by example what to do for those in need of comfort. He was present with her – simply there, quietly by her side, as any of us who have suffered, know so well how much that means. (To have someone take the time to just sit with us because they want to, can mean more than anything.) He felt for this woman and He reached out to her. He didn’t step back and wait for someone else to soothe her. He wasn’t too embarrassed to let his emotion show. He didn’t hold back because He felt that person had not been there for Him when He needed their love and compassion. He shared in her pain. There are times this is most difficult for us to do. We are challenged by feelings of unjust behavior that may have been directed toward us, neglect perhaps, uncaring attitudes, etc. We are human after all. However, more importantly we are followers of Christ, and simply to be present with one another in need, whether in person or in prayer, to offer a compassionate heart in their direction, is what we must do, what is expected of us. Our compassionate acts open our hearts to a greater love of those around us, with the added gift of discovering a greater love and respect for ourselves as well. And we learn very quickly, that we receive so much more from anything we may give!
Dear, God, thank you for those in our lives who have comforted us and showed us how to be loving and compassionate ambassadors for you. Thank you also for the many opportunities presented to us to carry out acts of compassion.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson