Feel Another’s Pain by David Jeremiah

Monday, October 16

Feel Another’s Pain 

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous. 
1 Peter 3:8 

Recommended Reading Luke 15:18-20

Sometimes the origins of words help us understand their meaning. For instance, the Greek word for compassion refers to the inward parts of the body (heart, liver, lungs, and so on). A slightly modified version of that word came to be used for the feelings associated with the inward parts. When we have passion, it comes from deep within. And when we have compassion (in English, com + passion), it means we “feel with or for” another person.

For instance, when Jesus traveled through the region of Galilee preaching and healing, He saw the condition of the people and “was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Like the high priests before Him, Jesus is able to “have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray” because of His humanity (Hebrews 5:2). Jesus knew, and knows, what it is like to endure suffering and pain. Compassion is a godly trait—first in Jesus Christ and then in those who follow Him.

Let Christ in you stir your heart to feel passionately and to care for those around you today.

Biblical orthodoxy without compassion is surely the ugliest thing in the world. 
Francis Schaeffer