As I look out my window and see trees and blue skies it is very easy for me to feel as if this is the world in which we live. My home is peaceful and other than the hustle and bustle of a family living within, there is a tremendous calm.
Let me contrast that to the fear, heartache and misery I see every time I hear the news or see a social media feed. It feels like a hopeless sea of hatred, violence and unrest. We see crisis after crisis and endless tears being shed.
As I sit down to pray and listen, I hear, “Come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”- Matthew 11:28-30.
The Lord sees the anguish and heartache in the world today. He tells us to come to Him to find our comfort, our peace and our source. He is what we need in this season of so much turmoil. As we watch others go through hurt, we are to be filled with a heart of compassion. The verse above shows us the heart of a father.
Our Lord has a heart of compassion and mercy. John 11 tells us about how Jesus came upon the scene of his friend Mary weeping for her brother. Jesus was deeply moved in spirit and JESUS WEPT. You may wonder, “Why did He weep when he knew he was going to call Lazarus back to life?” Jesus saw the heartache. He was and is still a compassionate Lord. Over and over the Word describes Jesus as truly seeing the broken, hurting and hopeless. Jesus came to heal and restore. These are the people he came for.
In this season of division and pain, we are called to unite as brothers and sisters in Christ. We are called to ask the Lord to break our hearts for what breaks His heart. Do not stop there. Take another step and ask the Lord how you can best be his hands and feet. We are called to put a guard over our tongues. Speak softly, thoughtfully, and with compassion. If what you are about to say will not lift someone else up, stop.
If you feel helpless to make a difference, start at home! Is your home full of God’s peace? Can you make a difference for a neighbor or someone you run into at the grocery store? Can you reach out to a friend you haven’t checked on in awhile and pray peace over them? The Holy Spirit is always speaking to us, ready to give words of compassion. We just need to listen and obey.
Genesis 1:27 – So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
God created each of us in His own image. As you look at and respond to others, remember that they also are created in the image of God. We are each created to have a heart of compassion, no matter the circumstances.
Psalm 103:11-13 – For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
People will not know we are Christians by how loud we are but by the love we show, through our words and through our actions.
Our time here on the earth is not long. We have only this time to show the heart and love of the Father to those around us. May God touch your spirit with compassion and love for those around you. If you have this desire, please pray this prayer today:
Dear Jesus,
I pray you give me a heart of love and compassion. To step boldly where you tell me to and step back as you lead. Please let my words be your words and my actions line up with the desires you have for my life. Please help others to see you through me. I give my whole life over to you. Use me as you see fit. In Jesus Mighty Name – Amen.
Philippians 3:20 – But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.
In love,
Kathryn Broadwater
