Faith along the way

In one of my daily Bible readings last week, I read about Jesus healing the two blind men in Matthew 20:29-34. The thing that struck me and what I’ve been dwelling on is the fact that the passage mentioned that Jesus had compassion for the men. My NLT version said He felt sorry for them. I’ve been thinking about this word compassion for the last week and how this passage speaks to me. A few things I’ve noticed are listed below.

• Jesus stopped what He was doing to speak to the men who called for His attention. How many times are we too busy to stop what we are doing to listen, to help, to pay attention to someone? To spend time with them?
• Jesus spoke to them. How many times do we just rush past someone without a thought, or how many times do we ask someone how they are doing…but really aren’t listening and are just waiting to move on when they stop talking?
• Jesus had compassion for them. Not only did He feel compassion, but it moved Him to action. He did something about the need, the request. How many times do we see a need but don’t do anything about it, for whatever reason-we’re too busy, we’re pressed for time, someone else can help…whatever the reason. We can probably think of several reasons not to act.
• Jesus touched them. (I know the context here is physical healing, but I want to speak to emotional touch and make this point) Yes, I know some people are not huggers, I get it, but maybe someone could use a smile, a pat on the back, a kind word, a sincere compliment, and yes, maybe even a hug. Touch is important, genuine, caring…personal. It shows we care.

I’m asking myself all the questions above as I write this. How can I be kinder and more compassionate to those people I come in contact with? How can I not only feel compassion, but be moved to action? Something to think about. It will require me to be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit and what He is saying to me, how He is telling me to respond. This requires more prayer and reading God’s Word to be more sensitive to His Spirit.

When you think about it, most people are going through something at any given moment. Sometimes it is obvious, like in this Scripture passage. The two men made their need known. Most people don’t. It lies just under the surface, hidden but still there, nonetheless. Sometimes, if we are paying attention, we catch a glimpse of it: a smile that doesn’t quite reach the eyes, an aura of sadness, a hesitation or pause when you ask how they are doing. These are just a few examples. People are hurting, grieving, trying to put one foot in front of the other. So, let’s strive to be kind and compassionate as the example our Lord Jesus has given us in this passage and in many other passages of Scripture. We may never know how we’ve touched or moved someone with our kindness and compassion.

Blessings to you,

Jackie