A Compassion that Never Fails by Lisa Burkhardt Worley, D.Min.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. (Lamentations 3:22)

This week, I listened to a YouTube video of a pastor speaking about God’s compassion. He said that if we are so focused on our work and have no compassion for others, then we’ve fallen short of emulating God.

This resonated with me because the husband of a friend of mine passed this week. It was sudden. I had just seen the two of them at a conference the week before it happened. I asked my friend, “Is there something—anything—I can do for you?” She replied, “Look at the care calendar and bring a meal.” I checked my personal calendar and because of travel and work, there were no days with white space over the next few weeks.

What do I do? I wanted to show compassion, so I found another way to let the family know I cared.

God wants us to have compassion for his people and take the time to minister to others when they are hurting. As Jesus headed to his ministry assignments, someone often interrupted him, either needing healing or pleading on behalf of someone else who was desperate for healing, and he responded to them.

We can find many references to Jesus’ compassion:

• Matthew 9:36: Jesus felt compassion for the harassed and helpless crowds.
• Matthew 14:14: He had compassion on a large crowd and healed the sick.
• Mark 1:40–42: Moved with compassion, He touched and cleansed a leper.
• Luke 7:13: He had compassion on a grieving widow and raised her son.
• Matthew 20:34: Out of compassion, He touched the eyes of blind men to restore their sight.

Are we compassionate like Jesus?

My to-do list is long, and it can make me weary, but I never want to get so busy that I don’t have time to show compassion to someone else. If we keep our noses to the grindstone and never look up, we will never see the people who desire a touch of God’s love and a compassionate word or prayer.

Lord, help us to see those in need. Show us how to be more compassionate and to never let busyness prevent us from ministering to your people. AMEN

#