Monday, June 15th, 2020

Tensions continue to burn around the country over race relations and many are wondering what they can do to be a helper and not a hinderer to creating a more peaceful and equal society. Jesus entered the world at a time when race and cultural tensions were extremely high, too, and one of the things that separated him from others in the eyes of the people was the compassion he had for all people. He sought out the poor, the hated, and the scorned to make it perfectly clear what he was doing. Matthew recorded the manner in which he approached and viewed people, saying,

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” We are still today like sheep without a shepherd, especially if we do not know Jesus, or if we do not understand him either. Before Jesus saved the human race, he had compassion for the human race. For us to make a difference in the lives of others, we first have to have Christ-like compassion for them — loving them as they are and building them up to where they can be. Today, decide to have Christ-like compassion for others and view them all as worthy of your compassion as Jesus views you.

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” — Matthew 9:36 ESV