Three men on a journey; three men saw him; one man felt compassion.

Compassion moves to meet a need.  The Good Samaritan, moved by compassion, interrupted his own plans to meet the needs of the crumpled up man on the other side of the road.  He gave of his time.  He gave of his money.  He inconvenienced himself.  Luke 10:25-37

Similarly, Jesus, seeing the people, felt compassion for them. He saw their distress and he moved to meet their need.  Paul tells us to have the same attitude that Jesus had.  He tells us to look out for the interests of others. He tells us to put on a heart of compassion, kindness and humility. Matthew 9:36-38 , Philippians 2:1-4, Colossians 3:12

What keeps us from feeling compassion and looking out for the interests of others? Perhaps our heart, like the Grinch’s heart, is ‘an empty hole’.  We just don’t have any love to give.  Perhaps we are too busy. We don’t want to interrupt our plans.  We don’t have time for the inconvenience. Perhaps we are too arrogant to help.  We don’t want to get involved in that mess.  We don’t want to be associated with that kind of person.

Jesus, full of compassion, humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death on a cross.  He gave His life to meet our need.  He became our Savior.  Philippians 2:8 

If your heart feels empty and cold, take time to meditate on the love and compassion of Christ for you.  Let Him fill your heart with His compassion.  Once your heart is filled with His love, you will be able to share it with others.