A Feeling, Healing Compassion

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people”.
Mark 8:1-2

Have you ever happened upon a scene of misfortune that caused you to pity the poor victim? Weep over the victim’s plight? Exchange places with the sufferer?

Mark 8 describes a scene in which pity was plentiful, but only compassionate action could meet the needs.

English clergyman John Henry Jowett contrasts pity—which tends to be passive—with compassion—which is active and often costly.

WALK WITH JOHN HENRY JOWETT
“Jesus’ compassion was part of his passion. It culminated upon Calvary, but it was bleeding all along the road.

“It was a fellow-feeling with all the pangs and sorrows of the race. Only a pity that bleeds is a pity that heals.

“As in Jesus’ day, the multitude is around us still.

“There is the multitude of misfortune, the children of disadvantage. There is the multitude of outcasts, the vast army of modern-day publicans and sinners. There are the bewildering multitudes who have nothing to eat.

“How do I share the compassion of the Lord?

“Do I exercise a sensitive and sanctified imagination, and enter somehow into the pangs of their cravings?

“I must. For my Lord calls me to help.”

WALK CLOSER TO GOD
Pity looks and says, “How awful.” Compassion weeps and says, “I’ll help.”

Pity looks on from afar. Compassion rolls up its sleeves and pitches in to help. Pity waits for a convenient time. Compassion knows no office hours. Pity is cheap and plentiful. Compassion is rare, priceless and costly. Jesus said, “I have compassion.” What do you have?