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Compassion to Help Others
Is compassion merely a feeling? Some people think that way, unfortunately. However, if compassion was only demonstrated by a feeling, it would be lonely. Compassion is shown in many ways, and it takes sacrifice. That means giving something up, that you would rather keep for yourself. Compassion is active not passive.
Over a year ago, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama suffered massive destruction of their homes, communities, businesses, and schools. It was devastating and horrifying to see people lying lifelessly and helplessly by the wayside.
In the midst of this devastation, doctors and nurses forgot about themselves and stayed behind to help others who were hurting. I recall hearing about a nurse who lived in another state. She came to give her assistance to help others. There were many incidents like that; because that’s what it is all about. Nurses and doctors are committed to their profession.
Do you remember the story in the Bible about the Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37 KJV? If you haven’t read it lately, do it today. It teaches a great lesson about compassion.
Let me briefly tell you what happened. A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho; he was minding his own business. Even in Jesus’ day terror, evil, and violence was prevalent, just like today. Of course, you know what happened next don’t you? He was stripped of--his clothes, his money, and his life, almost. He was left as a dead man, but he survived to tell his story. Keep reading because you’ll be amazed to find out how the story ends. Oh my goodness; we need to show compassion. Don’t you agree?
Jesus was teaching a lesson on how compassion works. His philosophy was, “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.”
What happened next was disturbing to me. However, I wasn’t surprised, because people don’t want to get involved in troubling situations. Wait a minute, though, God fearing men! There were two men, who were both involved in temple worship who chose not to help this hurting man. The first man, a Priest, saw the bleeding man lying on the ground, but the Priest made no attempt to help the hurting man. Instead, he crossed over to the other side of the street. Now remember this Priest showed no compassion in this case. Perhaps he had a hang up about helping strangers. The Bible doesn’t say it, but he could have been going to the temple, since he was a Priest. Compassion doesn’t start in the temple or in the church, but it starts at home, it reaches next door, and then it extends across town and beyond. Who do you think saw this hurting man next? I’ll tell you who saw him, a Levite. Levites were men set a part by God for holy things. Look at what the Levite did; he didn’t cross the street first. No, he came and looked at him and then crossed over to the other side. Didn’t he have some nerve? He was probably thinking poor thing…so sad. I know there were customs and traditions in that day, but compassion never changes.
The hurting man probably prayed, “Lord send someone to help me.” The hurting man’s prayers were answered. Help was on the way, finally. I’ve often heard this story called the Good Samaritan. The ending truly is good. God sent an angel of mercy to help him. The Samaritan had no problem overlooking his needs or his convenience. When he saw the hurting man, he came to him, used his oil and wine, and bound up his wounds. The Samaritan didn’t leave him there to take care of himself, either. No! He put him on his beast, took him to an inn, and then cared for him. Don’t you think he had somewhere to go himself? Sure he did, but he didn’t let that get in his way. The next day when he was ready to leave the hurting man, he paid the host, and told him, “If he owes anything else, I’ll pay it when I come back.” Wow! That’s compassion!!
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