Day 12 of 21 Day Prayer Challenge

Day 12: COMPASSION
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When we talk about compassion, we must begin with Jesus. We begin there because compassion is at the very core of Jesus. The Hebrew and the Greek words translated into English literally mean “to have mercy, to feel sympathy, and to have pity.” We know that God is “a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Psalms 86:15).
 
Jesus demonstrated God’s compassion while he was on the earth. When his friends were weeping about Lazarus’ death, he wept alongside them. Jesus was moved with compassion for the suffering of others, so He healed the large crowd that came to Him. On multiple occasions, Jesus had compassion on individuals who came to Him. When He saw how the crowd was like sheep without a shepherd, He had compassion on them and taught them. While the priest and the Pharisees neglected groups of people, Jesus had compassion on them and spent time with them.
 
Jesus was all about caring for people. In Matthew 22:34-40, Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment. He said it is to love God with all our heart, mind, and strength but He added that the second commandment is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” A Pharisee asked Jesus which command was the greatest, but Jesus provided two, stating not only what we are to do, but also how to do it. Loving your neighbor as yourself is the natural result of your loving devotion toward God.
 
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
 
Proverbs 19:17
“He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.”
 
1 Corinthians 12:25-26
“That there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”
 
Psalm 111:4
“He has made His wonders to be remembered; The LORD is gracious and compassionate.”
 
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, show me where I need more compassion. Let me see those who need a caring touch or a kind word. Help me to see others as you see. Amen.