Compassion in Your Moment of Pain

“As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” -Mathew 13: 14

Yesterday, I was being interviewed for a magazine. As I spoke to the interviewer I said, “You know what? In the midst of your pain and struggles, best thing anyone can do is to be unselfish, and reach out to others in pain. I believe this mindset allows you to heal faster as you reach out and help others in pain. It’s all about compassion!”

During my devotional time, I read this passage, showing me I wasn’t wrong in my thinking. Jesus’ cousin John the Baptist was just beheaded. Jesus had every single right to be by himself and be allowed to mourn the death of his cousin.

Jesus wanted to go somewhere remote, by himself, He wanted privacy, and be allowed to mourn. But the crowds, ah, the crowds. They didn’t care what just happened. They were sick, they wanted to be healed, and restored, not one of them with compassion to let Him mourn. All they cared about was themselves. They only saw their own need. Their own agony, pain, and they wanted to be set free.

I love Jesus’ reaction. He had compassion! He didn’t forget the death of His cousin, I can promise you that!! But the need before Him was great. The cries of the people was more then He could bare. He heard their pain, he saw their pain, He identified Himself in their pain, He understood their grief. He loved them. He wanted to meet their needs, and bring them their miracle. All He could hear was their cries. “Help me Jesus.” “Jesus, heal my son, heal my daughter!” “Jesus, my dad is sick. We will die if my dad can’t work.” “Our mother, please, Jesus, have mercy. We need her she’s dying.” The crowds were huge. Imagine all of the out cries. Maddening noise of desperation, hopelessness, and despair. Jesus looked at the crowds, and He had compassion on them.

He put on hold His own pain. In that one moment of unselfish act we clearly see many things about Him. Jesus was, self-denying, self-forgetting, and self-sacrificing, putting them before His own pain. Friends, it’s called love. Love beyond your own needs. True compassion, real love, and unselfish act. Mothers understand this kind of love. You can be dead tired, sick, and in pain, and yet you will get up and take care of the needs of your child.

Over the summer, we had just moved to our new home. Ellianna’s cat, Bella got out. It was almost midnight. I was in bed, Justin was loudly calling me, waking Ellianna up from her sleep. Here I am running outside in flip flops, and my night shirt. I figured no one would be out at that time in my very quiet neighborhood at midnight . I was calling Bella’s name. Looking in bushes, trees, and behind walls, with a flashlight. Out of nowhere, this guy comes and starts taking to me, and tried to help me find Bella before it dawned on me my inappropriateness of my clothing. Did I care? No! Ellianna was crying, and I needed to find that cat now. I had no time to care about myself. I couldn’t bare to see her in pain. For two hours, I was out looking for Bella as she ran from tree to tree, flying like a monkey from one branch to the other, jumping the stone walls around our home, diving into bushes, and shrubs. The point is I would do anything for my child.

I am in no way comparing the run away cat to the needs of the people. I’m simply stating, I had a headache that night and felt nauseous. I went to bed just a few minutes before midnight. I wanted to be alone, but that didn’t happen. My daughter was upset, and I needed to take care of her need not my headache and nausea. Jesus felt pain, and He was in mourning of the terrible murder of His cousin. Yet He stopped and healed them all.

This was not a few minutes. It was all day. Soon it become evening. There was no restaurant or supermarket. The disciples suggested Jesus send them back to town so they got eat. Jesus reply is shocking. He tells them to feed them. One of the greatest stories ever told takes place right there. They feed over 5,000 people with two fish, and 5 loaves of bread!

Ponder on this today. Jesus not only healed them, but He went the extra mile and fed them. In His grief-stricken state. He exercised compassion and love. May I humbly suggest you take your eyes off yourself? Watch and see those around you who are hurting and suffering. Reach out your hand and touch someone. In other words, showcase the compassion and love of the God you call Lord and Savior.

True joy and happiness comes forth, spilling over, bubbling out, reaching to the ends of the world when the love and compassion of Jesus comes out of our hearts. Get this please. Those 5 loaves of bread and two fish fed over 5,000 people, and 12 basketfuls were left over! You understand? Our act of compassion not only meets the needs of those we touch and minister too. It overflows. It sets a blessing in motion, it spills over from the very people we touched.

Let’s take our eyes off ourselves. Let’s see those who are in need and hurting. Let’s cause an avalanche of goodness, love, and compassion to flow. I promise you, seeing others restored and healed only lessens the pain your in. Is there any other greater joy than to see people who are hurting be healed and blessed? I think not!

Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro

INSIGHT: Jesus was moved with compassion. He moved amongst the people, healing the sick, meeting people right where they were. He considered the interest of others above His own. They were in need, and He saw the need. Then He met their needs as He was able. Jesus did so with a Servant's Heart. As Jesus moved with compassion and acted in the best interest of others above His own, we should move as Jesus moved, walking in compassion, and meeting the needs of others as God gives us the ability.

MEDITATION: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4) As a follower of Christ, you will need the heart of a servant, and you will need to be filled with the love of Christ. When it comes to helping others, there is no room for rigidity or legalism. You are to be the child of God, showcasing His love for others to see.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You are the God of love, and You, O God, gave us the greatest example to showcase Your love and compassion for others. You gave me Jesus as the ultimate example of love and compassion. Father, let me move with compassion and in love as Jesus moved. Use me to help others. Because of Your unfailing love, I can show love to others as You would have me to do. So, Lord, to You I say, use me to serve others for Your glory. Here I am, Lord. Send me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Linda A. Knowles

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