Be Like Jesus, Show Compassion

Jesus was full of compassion for you and me when He went all the way to Calvary to die for our sins so that we can live.

He did so even before we were thought of by our parents. 

There are many instances in the Bible where we see Jesus displaying compassion. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and welcomed the outcasts. He didn't care whether people were white or black, rich or poor, popular or unpopular, His disciples or not. His compassion knew no bounds.

So we want to be like Jesus and show compassion right?

Then it’s like this…and I must admit, while some have the gift of compassion, this has to grow on some of us. 

So what does it look like? 

If I have compassion for you, I would find myself doing things whether I feel like or not, because I would be allowing Jesus to work through me. 

If I have compassion for you, it means I am seeing what you’re not saying. I would walk in your shoes, lend a helping hand, give a listening ear, or offer my shoulder for you to lean on. 

But many times Family, we get caught up with the troubles of this world. Life gets so uncertain sometimes that we become consumed with me, myself and I, our own concerns and desires, and we forget that we should be striving to be like Jesus.

You know, I’m thinking, Jesus must have showed up the authorities when He walked this earth. He went about just doing good. And if those authorities back then are anything like some of those we have now, just doing good for good sake, is something foreign.

For Jesus, it was relationship over ambition, and service over self-promotion. It was about loving people not with selfish motives, for good name and status, but because of a genuine desire to help others without expecting anything in return.

So as we continue to grow spiritually, Family, we are encouraged to be like Jesus, we are encouraged to show compassion. And we can practice in our very homes, with our friends, our family members, our coworkers, our church brothers and sisters.

And that’s important, because you see, this is not just a suggestion from Angela, it's a command from Jesus. 

Psalm 86:15 NIV reminds us that the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Matthew 9:36 ”When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.“

And here’s the revelation: Colossians 3 verse 12 says to us ”Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.“

Amen?!

So, how do we become like Jesus and show compassion? 

I was about to say five simple steps, but I’ll just say 5 steps, because change, transformation, adjustment, amendment, realignment, modification, reorientation, doesn’t come easy. Many of us are creatures of habit and we don’t take it well when people point out our faults. But here we go - Be like Jesus and show compassion.

Number 1, we must see people through God’s Eyes. Genesis 1:27 and Psalm 139:14 - each of us was created fearfully and wonderfully in God’s image and we must see others as God sees them, deserving of love and compassion. Help me Jesus.

Number 2. There are so many people right here at ZJoyVI, in our friends and family circles, on the job, in the church, who just need someone they can talk to, in confidence and without being judged. James 1:19 and Proverbs 18:13.

Number 3. And then there are persons who need much more than a listening ear. They need a helping hand, physical, tangible support. It could be running errands for your neighbour, volunteering to provide or share a meal at a soup kitchen or joining the prison ministry team. Galatians 6:2 and Matthew 25:40. 

How can we be like Jesus and show compassion?

 Number 4 - freely, freely, really, really forgive. Accept that everyone makes mistakes. Forget the wrongs, release people and move on in the land of restoration for you and them. Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13. We want God to forgive us right? Well we have to forgive others. Amen?!

And Number 5, as we are always encouraged to do here, pray, pray and pray some more. So many people are hurting. We ourselves are hurting.  Who is the one who can really help us all? That’s right. Jesus! Hallelujah. We all need healing, comfort, and peace, and we know that God hears the cries of His children and is always near to the brokenhearted. James 5:16 and Philippians 4:6.

Family, as we strive to be like Jesus and show compassion to those around us, let us remember the immeasurable love and grace that God has shown us. 

It should even  be more prominent in our minds this week as we go through Holy Week and remember Jesus’ journey to Good Friday, when they crucified Him.

Family one thing we do know, is that the world desperately needs more of us to be like Jesus, showing compassion here, there and everywhere. 

Will I be that one! Will you be that one!! 

aub - 28 March 2024 

www.zjoyvi.com