So much of the Christian faith has to do with the heart. In the well known "covenant of the heart" Jeremiah writes, "I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts." (Jeremiah 31:33) For the priest and the Levite who passed by, the Jewish law remained external, on the outside, it did not move them within to love the neighbor in need. Ironically, it is the Samaritan, who did not follow the law in the same way, who was moved with compassion for the wounded one.
Some people are blessed with the gift of mercy. They are naturally inclined to be people of compassion. You find them in the helping professions such as nurses, doctors, and social workers. They may serve as Stephen Ministers in local congregations, or volunteer in some way at a local hospital.
For others compassion comes less naturally. Not everyone is "wired" the same way. But compassion is certainly something that we can learn and grow into in new ways. God can work on our hearts and provide for us opportunities to be compassionate. There is so much need around us. It is as close as our family and friends, in the church we attend, in the community we live, and the greater world that we all share. The world needs compassion. Let's ask God, through the power of the Spirit, to fill us with compassionate hearts today.
Sometimes if we say "yes" to God's call to be compassionate, He then gives us a heart of love.
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