Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria Grace for Living Devotional Tuesday October 17, 2023 TOPIC: DRIVEN BY COMPASSION

 

BIBLE READING:

MATTHEW 14:13-16

13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. 14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. 15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. 16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.  

KEY VERSE:

“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14  

MEDITATION:

Compassion means identifying with the pain, anguish, lack and suffering of someone, with deep sympathy coupled with a resolve to take definite action(s) to bring the pain or suffering to an end or at least ameliorate the unfortunate condition(s).   

Compassion is the very heart of Jesus Christ. He demonstrated compassion to all He came across - the sick, the sinner, the hungry, the hurting, the poor, and many more. It was compassion that brought him from heaven to the earth. From the moment he began his ministry, he started manifesting great compassion and taught his disciples same. "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd" (Matthew 9:36).  

Among instances that Jesus demonstrated compassion included the feeding of 4000 people, healing of  the impotent man by the pool, the woman with issue of blood, the man born blind, raising Lazarus back to life, and many more. Jesus was concerned about the spiritual and physical wellbeing of all he met and expects us to do the same.   

James echoed the mind of Jesus when he charged, "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?“ (James 2:14-17). Compassion manifests in intentional and deliberate good works.  

Do you have the heart of genuine compassion? Do you show compassion for personal gain or to receive men’s applause?  

PRAYER:

Merciful and gracious Lord, please fill my heart with compassion.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

ISAIAH 44-46, COLOSSIANS 2