How to Express Compassion Like Jesus

Are you sick or suffering? Are you thriving and enjoying life? What happens when these two opposite circumstances intersect?

I often consider my good health and give thanks! But what am I supposed to do about those around me who are suffering? Jesus teaches us and gives us an example to follow for those challenging circumstances in our lives.

Here’s What Jesus Did

Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days in which work ought to be done. Come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” As he said these things, all his adversaries were put to shame, and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him. Luke 13:10–17 (ESV)

The woman had a disabling spirit. The New American Standard Bible calls it a sickness caused by a spirit. She was literally possessed by this spirit! The words Jesus used indicated that she was bound, or tied up by this spirit.

Jesus freed her! He laid his hands on her and she was made straight. The binding fell off, she was able to stand up again!

Why do people suffer from disease?

1. Because disease is part of our fallen world. Genesis 3:16-19 explains the immediate and long term consequences of sin. These consequences effect everyone and are part of our earthly existence.
2. Sometimes disease exists so God will be glorified. The man who was born blind (John 9:1-3) is such an example. In these cases, disease is an opportunity for God to show his power and glory. Given the right circumstances and God’s will, healing takes place in these cases.
3. Because of sin. Sad to say but this happens. In 1 Corinthians 11:29-31, Paul identifies sin as being the cause of illness and even death. Guilt, bitterness and an unforgiving spirit can all cause illness.
4. Because of a spirit of sickness. That is the case of this woman. Some who are chronically sick are bound by a spirit of sickness. Satan is still active in creating suffering in the lives of people.

What is Compassion?

How do we respond to the suffering around us? What is compassion and how does it work?

1. Compassion sees what the sufferer sees. Imagine what the woman saw every day! What did she look at? The ground, the floor, her feet. Imagine what she did not see: the sky, the faces of her friends and family and the world around here. Those who are compassionate immediately suffer when they comprehend what the sufferer is going through.
2. Compassion feels what the sufferer feels. Obviously, the woman would have had great pain: in her back, her digestive system, her legs, her neck, arms and legs! The compassionate physically experiences the pain of the sufferer.
3. Compassion acts to relieve suffering in every circumstance. It doesn’t wait for the right time – whenever that may be. It doesn’t wait for consensus from the authorities. It doesn’t mind disrupting routines or traditions.

What Now?

Here are four things to do if you are suffering from illness.

1. Pray and ask why. Many times our ‘why’ questions are not answered but that doesn’t mean we should stop asking.
2. Search your heart. Is something amiss? Is there something missing from your life? Have you neglected your spiritual health?
3. Embrace faith. Rebuke pessimism and despair. Cling to optimism and hope instead.
4. Ask God for healing, determination and grace. Any of those will help you and God will say yes to one of them.  

What to do when we see someone who is suffering

1. Ask God for more compassion. Suffering is harder to see for some than others. Responding to suffering is more natural for some than others. But God will help us see suffering and gain compassion.
2. Look for ways to relieve the suffering. For example, find a way to bring comfort. Pray for healing.
3. Offer hope. Don’t wallow in the other person’s misery. That’s not really compassion. Give words of hope!
4. Don’t worry about where you are and who is watching. You can be compassionate wherever you are. It doesn’t require privacy!

What’s your next step? I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment here or on our Facebook page.

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