«But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance’ (Matthew 9:13).
«I WANT YOU to show mercy, not offer sacrifices,» says the Lord. He knows perfectly well that it is much more difficult. as well as much more profound to show compassion than to simply go through mechanical rituals, which don’t require a change of heart.
Moreover, what our world needs are not mechanicals and superficial rituals, but individuals filled with the love of God and who demonstrating through words and acts toward suffering human beings. This love in action which attempts to help others is the compassion that the Lord wishes to see in the human heart.
Dear friend, how are you doing in the compassion department?
Compassion based on empathy is a virtue that we see clearly exemplified in the life of Jesus. For example, when in front of a hungry crowd, He challenged His disciples to be compassionate, telling them, «You give them something to eat» (Luke 9:13). Jesus «was moved with compassion» these are four words often found in the New Testament (see Matthew 9:36; 14: 14; and Mark 6:34). What a privilege to be able to develop in our lives the virtues that shone in the Masters life!
The women of God cannot remain in the stage of empathy before the needs of others; we have to do something for them. Cold indifference cannot be the garment of our hearts. Compassion must characterize us; that kind of compassion that reaches out to help, not to judge; the one that deprives ourselves of a bite of bread to give it to someone else who has nothing to eat.
Compassion dresses the naked and feeds the hungry; its needed not only in poor neighborhoods but also in wealthy communities. Women, men, children, and young people, all need it.
Today is the perfect day to look around to feel empathy, and to move into action. As you look into the mirror of your own existence, look far beyond empathy; seek to have compassion. This is the image a real Christian woman should project.
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Take From: Daily Devotions for Women’s 2021
«BRUSHSTROKES OF GOD’S LOVE»
BY: Erna Alvarado Poblete
Collaborators: Lorina Maya & Magda S
