- Scripture:
Heart of Compassion
This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.
1 John 3:16-17 MSG
- Reflection:
Thinking of of something that happened in the Bible that I read in Matthew 20 about two blind beggars crying out to Jesus to have mercy on them. It says that he stopped and called them, then healed them. Jesus always had time for people, never too busy for anyone or any problem; his compassion was immeasurable. He didn’t just hold everything to himself and walk around thinking of who he was and who his father was; he made a real change because of who he was. Not in name but by his actions. How many of us can say that at this time? This morning, as I write this message and reflection. I think of how it would have been to see him walking the streets helping people, and I know I would be right there with the man I am today.
Where do we go from here?
Make sure that you keep your heart open. We need to be willing to be interrupted and inconvenienced if it means we can help meet someone’s needs. Sometimes, if we would just take the time to listen to them, we could help initiate a healing process in his or her life. If you can open your heart of compassion and be that person’s friend without judging or condemning and simply have an ear to listen, you have the opportunity to make a difference in that person’s life.
Our Prayer for Today
Father, thank you for giving us a heart of compassion for people in our communities. Thank you for being a light in my heart that burns for others to see and for allowing me to reach others in prayer and the sport of basketball. I know the work started small, and I can appreciate that because we will be able to reach more as we grow together. Thank you for honoring us all this morning. May everyone have a blessed day. Amen.