“Jesus’ compassion.” This was the whisper in my heart this morning. Ok God, I’ll keep diving in. I thought I’d start with the base meaning of the words compassion and love.
Compassion means sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
Love means an intense feeling of deep affection and attachment towards someone.
As I read about Jesus, I’m going to try to see and feel for people how He does – try to understand His compassion. Today’s prayer plan put me at John 6:1-15, when Jesus feeds a crowd of five thousand with five barley loaves and two fish. It starts with a huge crowd of people coming to look for Jesus. His reaction is to ask Philip, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” Jesus’ compassion is reflected by:
- how He recognizes the crowd’s need for food (physical nourishment). Jesus, make my heart compassionate like yours – make me aware of other’s physical needs that you want me to provide.
- how He recognizes the crowd’s need for guidance (spiritual nourishment). Jesus, make my heart compassionate like yours – make me aware of those around me who I can help guide to you.
- how He doesn’t rush, he takes his time with the people. Jesus, make my heart compassionate like yours – help me slow down and give the gift of my presence so others know I care.
- how He takes action to relieve suffering with food, community, love, words of hope, peace, encouragement. Jesus, make my heart compassionate like yours – help me be hospitable and welcome others into my life and my home.
- how He gives in abundance, so there is plenty of food left over. Jesus, make my heart compassionate like yours – teach me to be generous to do our Father’s will, to give and not count the cost.
This story tells me that Jesus sees our needs and provides nourishment – both physical and spiritual. Like the crowd of five thousand, in His kindness, He often provides without us even asking. He is generous, and He can do abundantly more than we ask or imagine. Thank you Jesus – I ask you to make my heart and the hearts of my family compassionate like yours, as for the glory of God. Amen.
My Heart, My Home 