Be Compassionate! Ephesians 4:32, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you,” NLT. Compassion goes a long way in relieving the suffering of others. The word means to be tenderhearted. What vision does that bring to your mind? Mother Theresa? Neighborly relief efforts after a devastating storm? How about sitting with someone during a time of grief? A multitude of ways exist to help others, and it’s up to Christians to do that.

God Commands Compassion. Compassion is a God-given command written by the Apostle Paul. Compassion. It’s is about seeing needs in others and then doing something to relieve their pain. Notice it’s a two-part action: (1) seeing the needs of others, and (2) doing something on their behalf. Jesus taught compassion by the story of the “Good Samaritan.” A man was beaten and robbed, lying on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho. A priest came by. He did nothing. A Levite came by as well. He did nothing. But then, a despised Samaritan came by and felt compassion for the wounded man, helping him recover from his wounds. You would think the spiritual leaders of the day would know better. Unfortunately, they didn’t care to help. It took an enemy of Israel to help a wounded Israelite.

Deny Self! Saints are about their Lord’s business. The world is better when God’s people tend to the world’s wounds. It’s a sweeter life. It takes time and resources to be compassionate but the Lord tells His Saints to deny self and follow Him all the way to the cross.