Hosea 13:14, Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16, Colossians 3:12
So, compassion... such a nice word. Its like "passion", but with "com-" at the beginning. Passion is strong feelings, usually intense. Compassion is passion extending toward others well-being. Kinda like positive empathy. Jesus had plenty of this, we do not. As I ponder where compassion comes from and why it is important in a Christian life, I find a kind of procession.
God has compassion on all of us. That's gotta be first! With God's graceful compassion, we were brought into existence, were led, guided, and saved, and given innumerable joys and blessing in life. God's plan was always to free us from sin and death.
God did all this in spite of our grumblings. Despite God freeing us from bondage to sin (like the Israelites were freed from Egyptian bondage), we complain and wish we were back in chains. Yet, God still provides for us. Compassion is not just. Compassion is grace.
Paul reminds us and the Philippians that we have been gifted with extraordinary favor by the Most High. He also reminds us all that we not only share in God's goodness, but his suffering as well. We are all in continual need of compassion.
We must wear compassion as a character trait. It must be part of who we are as Christians. When we see anothers' need, we must become as Christ to them.
Jesus' parable of the vineyard workers teaches that our motivations for being compassionate have nothing to do with earning salvation, goof favor, or prestige (or even self-worth). Rather, compassionate living should be our heart's desire. Our well-being is tied inseparably to the well-being of the other. We thank God for his compassion when we imitate his goodness.
Be compassionate, as your heavenly father is compassionate.
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