Compassion

 November 21, 2024

“And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” —Matthew 14:14 

Having just learned that his cousin and friend John the Baptist had been beheaded by Herod, Jesus wanted some alone time to grieve, think, and pray. The Bible says he went to a lonely place, but the people figured out where he was headed and beat him to his destination. 

Listen carefully to what the text says: “When he saw [them] he was moved with compassion…” I’ve listened to people praying for God to give them greater compassion for others, but that’s not how it works. We develop compassion when we actually see people; their sorrows, their pain, their bondage to sin. Praying won’t develop your compassion. Only seeing will do that. 

So take a good look at the people around you. Stop thinking of how you feel (remember, Jesus was grieving when he had compassion), and pay attention to the problems and suffering of those around you. When you see them…REALLY see them, God will give you all the compassion you need.