3:321 – What Is Your Compassion Index Today?

#faithbites #faithjourney Compassion

Setting

A friend of mine, who isn’t very religious, posted a question on Facebook today that really piqued my interest and has inspired this #faithbites message. His question was, “What is your compassion index today? What have you done to help those around you?”

The responses were varied and lovely. From just being an ear to listen to giving money, donating kidneys, giving blood, and reaching out to those in need. While some require money, they are require compassion. To give of your time, talent, and treasure (some even parts of your own body), require compassion for our fellow humans. It doesn’t matter their race, creed, orientation, background, or anything. If we see someone in need, we should help. This is part of our calling as Christians.

Today, I covered a couple of classes for a colleague and helped another one brainstorm how best to help train his faculty. While this is part of my job, it’s one of the ways I reach out to help others.

What have you done today to help those around you?

Scripture

• Deuteronomy 15:11 – For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’
• Acts 20:35 – In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
• Hebrews 13:16 – Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Reflection

There are probably 100 or more verses in the Bible about helping the needy. The core of this isn’t giving because we are commanded to, because we are, but because we want to. As a Lutheran, we believe that we don’t get to heaven through good works but through faith in Jesus. The good words are because we want to be more like Christ and follow his teachings. Matthew 25:40 says, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

We all have different reasons for giving and doing. What is your reason? Is it to show compassion? If so, why? What is it about helping others, shows that we are compassionate?

To me, it’s comes down to a belief in Jesus. He is the center of the universe and we are not .When we switch the focus from us to someone else, it helps ground us to humanity and to God’s teaching. It’s a way to please God and be part of something greater.

I have heard many, myself included who feel isolated and alone. This is because we are alone if we aren’t in communion with God and others. Being in communion means helping others with an open mind, open heart, and open spirit. We love because he loved us first.

As we close tonight, I will ask the question we started with: “What have you done today to help those around you?”

Challenge

Find one, just one, deed or action to show compassion towards someone else. It can be as simple as reaching out through a text message to whatever you feel like doing. We all need compassion in our lives. Let’s be the ones who share it unconditionally.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for my friend who sparked this discussion about compassion. He helped me remember that no matter how large or small, an act of compassion is wanted and needed. You tell us that we should help those in need always. We often fail at that and are sorry. Please forgive us.

Lord, instill in us a spirit of love and compassion. Change that spirit into action so we take our thoughts and become doers of your word. You make all things possible. We pray for your guidance in how best to reach those who need help in in the way they need it. We love you and give you all the glory, Amen.