Mark 6:34

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.”

We see such a great example of compassion in Jesus Christ. If you were to do a scripture search on compassion a great many results will be focused on how Jesus showed compassion for the people. Compassion indicates kindness and sympathy, but its meaning is even more profound. If we were to look at the origin of the word compassion, we would take hold of the true significance and breadth. We derive the word from the latin word compati, which means suffer with. So, Jesus gives us the example of how he suffered with us. God calls us to be like Jesus which in this aspect would be to suffer with those in need. Their heartbreak becomes ours. Instead of judging others we should rather be compassionate towards them.  This can be a challenge at times, at least for myself. Are you showing compassion for others?

Dear God, help me to be compassionate. Help me to follow Jesus’ example of compassion. Thank you that you have compassion for me. Help me to see those around me so that I may understand what they are going through. Help me to be transparent to others so that they feel comfortable to share their struggles with me. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.