CHRIST, CHRISTIAN AND COMPASSION

When we look around the world, we see violence of all kinds. Violence is a clear and direct indication, of a selfish and self-centred heart at its worst, and an unashamed display of its outlook to life. What else can be expected, except, violent and forceful implementation of that selfish desire, when, all that the man can think of, is about himself and his interests, where there is no room, nor scope, for another perspective? Sadly, this is propagated as progressive thinking. Many Christians, and “Christian nations” is we can call them so, actively pursue violence as a legitimate means of conducting their affairs, and their lives. No wonder the tragedy in the world, when the salt and the light is so utterly corrupted.

According to William Eckhart in his book, “Civilisations, Empires and Wars: A Quantitative History” the number of deaths because of wars in 20th century alone would be 110 million people – 11 crore people. Most of those deaths would be from Europe, and North America…the “christian” west.

Rev. David Bast, writing in his article, “The Compassion of Jesus” says…
– “Your response to the world’s suffering depends on what you force yourself to notice. Thankfully when Jesus looks at a lost world, [He] feels compassion, and then does something [about it].”

What we see, is a sure indication of what we hold sacred in our hearts. Isaac Newton, the Anglican clergyman and hymn writer,  wrote thus in one of his letters…
– “The exercised and experienced Christian, by the knowledge he has gained of his own heart and the many difficulties he has had to struggle with, acquires a skill and compassion in dealing with others.”
It all boils down to our hearts, and the closeness of our relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ. The closer we walk with the LORD, the clearer our hearts become isn’t it?

The relationship we have with our LORD, should transform us, and our hearts, into the person that He is. If not, there is something seriously wrong with what we believe. After all, may be, the “person” whom we think we believe in, may not be, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, but someone else.

This is what the gospels record about the LORD Jesus…
“JESUS CLEANSES A LEPER”
– “41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” – Mark 1:41
“TWO BLIND MEN HEALED”
– “34 So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.” – Matthew 20:34
JESUS FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND
– “14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” – Matthew 14:14
JESUS RAISES A DEAD YOUNGMAN
– “13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” – Luke 7:13 and raised the old widow’s dead son, to life.

How are we, as the children of the Living God? How are we behaving as the disciples, and the followers of the LORD Jesus Christ? What is the driving force in our hearts, towards people around us…especially our enemies? What kind of heart do we have? Does compassion, just like Jesus, leads us? Do we feel sad when we see needy, oppressed people, and want to help them? Are our hearts filled with cold, calculative and cruel intentions?

If we claim to be walking with Jesus, we will be compassionate and kind, and not, cold, calculative and cruel.