MOCKINGBIRD

When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.

Mark 6:34a ESV

My wife, Kym, had a bird’s-eye view of compassion when she found an injured mockingbird.

We had witnessed the demise of one of God’s creatures–the bird was no match for a passing automobile. The bird attempted to get up, but to no avail. It lay helpless on the ash fault. Kym asked me to pull next to the injured bird. She exited the car and donned her gloves. With great care and compassion, she cradled the mockingbird in her hands and laid it gently in the grass under a tree.

“I don’t think the bird will survive, but nevertheless, it will not die on the road,” Kym said. Her compassion that day was straight from the heart of God.

Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the LORD has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.

~Isaiah 49:13 ESV

COMPASSION

Compassion comes from the Latin word compati, which means “to suffer with.” Therefore, when we feel compassion for someone, we not only feel sorry for them but also share in their pain. Many stories in the Bible deal with compassion:

• The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). This story teaches that compassion has no boundaries.
• The Widow’s Mite (Mark 12:41-44). This story teaches that even our smallest gifts can make a difference when we give out of compassion.
• The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). This story teaches about God’s unconditional and compassionate love.
  
  

The Spirit teaches us the concept of compassion and then brings it forth in our walk with God.

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another.

~Colossians 3:12-13a ESV

WATCHFUL AND ALERT

Compassion has become less common in the past seventy years, but God’s Word has not changed. We should be alert and watchful as the Holy Spirit leads us to show compassion to those in need.

What acts of compassion have you shown lately, and how did they affect the life of the one you helped?

Lord, Jesus, I thank You for showing me how to be compassionate. As the Holy Spirit leads, help me to be alert to those who need compassion. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2023: A Bird’s-Eye View of Compassion: Ed Chappelle