Compassion

“Then they said to one another, “In truth we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen....” Genesis‬ ‭42:21‬

The account of Joseph's brothers throwing him in a pit and leaving him there to die, is a very clear example of what "no compassion" looks like. One Pastor said, "Compassion is your hurt in my heart."  Jesus, on the other hand, was filled with compassion during his earthly ministry. Matthew writes, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew‬ ‭9:36

Sometimes we don't have compassion on others when they hurt because we are so quick to judge them and blame them for their hurts. In other words, we view their hurts as self inflicted. There are many examples I can give, but one I think is important to point out is the mental and emotional distress that others experience. For example, Christians sometimes have this idea that, if you are saved, you shouldn't ever be sorrowful. We forget that the bible says that Jesus was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

Instead of weeping with those who weep, we are sometimes quick to feel like others should just get over it. We especially feel this way when we can't see a reason why someone should feel sorrowful, anxious or depressed. Like Job friends, we are quick to throw verses at those who are hurting, when what they made need is for others to grieve with them, listen to them, and cry with them. There's a time to give godly council to hurting people, but often what people need is simply someone to show empathy, a shoulder to cry on, or to hear, "It's alright to cry."

Recently, I heard a Pastor share that in his church they've cultivated this understanding that, "It's ok not to be ok. It's not ok to stay that way."  What this means is that, as human beings, living in a sinned cursed and hurt filled world, there will be times when we will feel overwhelmed, sad, and afraid. And we should have the confidence to share our hurts without being made to feel like we are horrible Christians. Instead, we should feel safe to share our hurts, believing that we will receive compassion and hear truth spoken with love.

When Joseph, as second in command of Egypt, had his opportunity to exact revenge on his brothers, who once left him to die, he demonstrated compassion. He provided for their needs and the needs of their families. This is what Jesus has done for us. Instead of giving us what we deserve, as wretched sinners, He laid His life down, so that we might be forgiven and receive the gift of eternal life. Let us therefore “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians‬ ‭4:32‬