COMPASSION – MISSING IN ACTION

Christ like compassion is missing in today’s world. Especially among the Christian circles, who are to be the ambassadors of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, to the entire world. The glee with which we seem to enjoy, the suffering and the killing of the “enemies” is an indication of the absence of compassion. Now we seem to have forgotten what compassion actually is.

Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, defines “Compassion” in these terms…
– “That (human) disposition that fuels Acts of kindness and mercy. Compassion, a form of love, is aroused within us when we are confronted with those who suffer or are vulnerable.”

The words – “…a form of love, is aroused within us when we are confronted with those who suffer or are vulnerable.” should strike us hard, and must ring alarm bells in us. I spoke to many about what is happening between Israel and Palestine in Gaza. Almost all of them agree that the Palestinians deserve it. No other thoughts and opinions are entertained. I AM NOT SUGGESTING, nor wanting us to take sides. That is beside the point.

In a few personal conversations, and following the group postings, have made me wonder whatever happened to Christ-like compassion among us. There is clear and definite glee and gloating over the death and destruction of Gaza, and now Lebanon. I cannot repeat the words, that a few have uttered, but the “glee” was unmistakably clear. They are all good and wonderful people. I can vouch for it.

Who is right, and who is not, is not the point. In my observation. We as the Church, have lost something far more precious and priceless, than we will ever realise. The saddest part being, many don’t seem to have any realisation of this loss. It is like we have found a renewed vigour and vitality, which was lacking among the Christians.

Let me quote Scott Wylie, on what Christ-like compassion is all about…
– “Understanding, often referred to as “compassion” or “empathy,” is a foundational biblical characteristic that lies at the heart of Christian living. It involves the ability to comprehend the feelings, perspectives, and needs of others while demonstrating care and empathy. Throughout the Bible, God calls His people to be understanding and compassionate, reflecting His own character of love and understanding toward humanity.”

The above words are firmly based on the LORD Jesus, and His way of working with people, be it Jews, Samaritans and Gentiles…
– “36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36
– “11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,” – Colossians 3:11-12

The compassion that the Bible talks about is not just to be among the Christians, but for everyone, including our enemies and our persecutors. It is about the heart of Christ, and it is about we doing something about the needs and the suffering of the others. Is it not so? What troubled me, and still troubles me, is not so much, a position taken on a certain matter, but the glee in the death and the destruction of a certain people, who don’t fit into our mould. This should trouble us, and give us sleepless nights. We have lost something of far greater significance that we may ever realise, regardless of who is right and who is wrong in Gaza.
– “3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,” – Philippians 2:3-5
Even so the LORD help us.