June 8, 2023

Taylor Christensen
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Matthew 9:36
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."
Matthew 7:1-5

Jesus modeled compassion perfectly throughout His ministry. He knew every facet and detail about each person in that crowd, yet still was moved with compassion. It’s one thing to have compassion towards the people who show you love in return, but I have to believe that many in this same crowd were shouting for Jesus to be crucified later on. That kind of compassion can only come from God.

I know, despite trying my hardest, my compassion is very limited and conditional, at least more than I’d often want to admit. But that compassion is so crucial to responding to sin around us. Instead of looking at the outside, I need to focus on the hearts. Everyone around me has the same need for a Savior that I do. And through that humility and gratitude for what Christ did for me, then and only then can I see others as just as needy and helpless.

Lord, please give me the clarity to see others the way You see them. May that drive me to pour out unconditional compassion regardless of who or what is happening around me.