com·pas·sion

Jesus found himself walking along a bumpy road at times. In Matthew 14 he finds out that one of his best friends has died. The text reads, “As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone.” Jesus was deeply hurt (the same hurt we feel, he felt as well) and he did what most of us do in those times, try to be alone. What is remarkable though is this:

“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.”

Jesus didn’t get to be alone or to just disappear for a while. Being met by a crowd (about 10,000 people) on the shore he had compassion for them; he valued them. He knew what their pain felt like; he was feeling it at that very moment too. He knows what our pain feels like and he cares so very deeply for us. He sees value in each and every one of us and he has compassion for us every new day. Do we see each other like that? Do we really care that much to put ourselves aside and help anyone in any way possible? This week despite my struggles and in my pain I’m going to try to care for others and see the value in every one, just as Christ does; because he values me, even when I’m not all that valuable. Will you try with me?