July 8 - Compassion In Action.

Luke 10:33-34
“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”
 
Jesus used the Good Samaritan as an example to not only the lawyer in Luke 10, but for us today as we read through our Bibles. There is so much to be learned from this one man’s display of compassion upon that stranger on the side of the road.
 
We must to go to them. “came where he was”
We must make an effort to reach out to others, and we cannot do that by sitting still. Jesus showed us this example by going to Samaria. He felt led to the very city that our Good Samaritan was from.
John 4:4
“And he must needs go through Samaria.”
What might the Lord do if we would obey His leading to go to others?
 
We must look at their need. “and when he saw him”
Our eyes will affect our heart if we are sincere. God will give us a desire to help those in need as an opportunity to share His love for them.
Galatians 6:10
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men…”
 
We must have compassion on them. “he had compassion on him”
We find in Scripture that only some will have compassion, and those that do can make a difference. When God gives us compassion, He gives us opportunity to reach people for His glory. Jesus displayed this by having compassion on the multitudes, and fulfilling their needs of hunger and healing.
Matthew 9:36
“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them…”
 
Compassion is more than just an acknowledgement of a need; it compels us to do something. The Good Samaritan not only went to this man, but his compassion compelled him to bound up his wounds and take him to an inn to care for him. Compassion in Action.
 
We’ve all heard the sayings “Actions speak louder than words”, and “they won’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care”. Both are found to be true. The lost will not realize their need unless we show them through the love of Christ. The backslidden will not realize their condition unless we love them through their trouble. The hurting will not receive the help they need unless we bear their burdens through intercessory prayer for them. Speak the love of Christ by showing the love of Christ. Compassion in Action.
 
Do you know someone hurting today? Are you burdened for them?
Show them you care. Do something to make a difference in their life today.
An encouraging text or phone call, or a card in the mail. Just a simple gesture of love to remind them that you are praying for them can change their mindset.
 
If you cannot think of someone or something to do, ask the Lord to place someone on your heart. Ask Him to show you what the person needs. Put action behind your compassion today.
 
 
Bible Reading:
II Chronicles 1-2  |  II Thessalonians 2  |  Proverbs 9
​