“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2
This week we have been re-visiting some of the stories that show the compassion and love while Jesus was here on earth. I trust that we have been inspired to be more like Him.
One of the greatest ways that Jesus showed compassion was when He was hanging on the cross. What an opportunity it would have been for Him to speak out against those who had condemned Him to die. Among the crowd gathered around, were probably many whom he recognized. He had listened to their stories, healed their sickness, raised the dead, and restored their sight. And yet none of them had come to His defense when He was on trial. With one voice they had cried out for Him to be crucified.
But instead of condemning them, He spoke words of forgiveness and love.
Luke 23:34 “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Jesus gave His life on the cross for all mankind. His love and compassion extend freely to you and me today. We come to Him broken, undeserving, discouraged. And He does not turn one away. Knowing our past, He also knows what our future could be. He sees potential that no one else sees. His precious blood washes away all our sin and makes us over anew.
II Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Because Jesus demonstrated what it means to show compassion and love, it is our responsibility to follow His example. The commandment He gave His disciples, still applies to us today:
John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Thought For Today: Lord, help me to show compassion to all I meet.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
