Are we compassionate? Are we really compassionate?
When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36
The original Greek word for "compassion" used by the writers of the Gospel to describe Jesus' deep emotion as he considered the crowds is a very remarkable one - as it is not found in classic Greek or in the Septuagint. In fact it is a word coined by the writers of the Gospels themselves as they did not find one word in the whole Greek language that suited their purpose for describing the type of "compassion" Jesus felt, and therefore they had to create one.
The Deepest Of Emotions
The word they created and used - ( splagxniðzomai) - is expressive of the deepest emotion one can have; a striving of the bowels—a yearning of the innermost nature with pity. From its use we can suppose that when Jesus looked upon certain sights, those who watched him closely perceived that his internal agitation was very great, his emotions were very deep, and then his face betrayed it, his eyes gushed like founts with tears, and people could see that his big heart was ready to burst with pity for the sorrow upon which his eyes were gazing. He was moved with compassion. His whole nature was agitated with commiseration for the sufferers before him. Although used sparingly in the Gospels, this word may be taken as a clue to the Savior's whole life. If we were to sum up the whole character of Jesus Christ in reference to ourselves, it might be gathered into this one sentence, "He was moved with compassion."
Considering Our Compassion
In seeking to become more like Jesus, one of the questions we need to truly consider is the question of "Are we truly compassionate?" While considering this important question one can be helped by pondering the following clarifying questions:
- When we see the crowds in our life, does it create the same emotion - a yearning of the innermost nature with pity - in us that it created in Jesus?
- If we are overcome with feelings of compassion - are they temporary feelings that evaporate before they inspire us (with God's guidance) to action?
- If we are inspired to action, is our action driven more out of guilt or is it driven by our genuine concern for others?
- Is our concern for others not only focused on the physical condition of others - a condition that is ultimately temporary - but also focused on their spiritual condition - a condition that is eternal?
Prayer For Compassion
Lord, thank you for your example of compassion - and please help us to begin to not only feel the same compassion for others you felt - but to also truly understand the reasons for your compassion as they will help us more deeply appreciate the gift of your sacrifice for us. We ask that you please help us not to confuse charity with compassion - as we may act with charity and not truly have compassion. We also ask that you help us to become so overcome with compassion that we utilize all of the resources you have provided us - our money, our time, our abilities - in a manner than can help meet the needs of the crowds in our life. Amen.
5:47:47 PM 
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