Compassion

​7-29-21
Today's devotion is based on Mark 6:34, "When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd."
The disciples and Jesus went away to rest, and when they arrived at their destination, their work was right there waiting to greet them. I know how I would have responded in that situation, and you probably do, too. That is what makes the way Jesus reacted truly amazing.
Jesus didn't see work waiting for him there. He saw people. People who needed him because they were confused and helpless, spiritually speaking. They were like sheep without a shepherd. And that pulled Jesus' heart toward them.
In doing so, he set an example for us. While we will more than likely never have to give of our time as he did, we too need also to see people who are in need as opportunities to show God's love.  That is God's will for us since we are to be, as Martin Luther once wrote, "little Christs."
Please pray with me the prayer for today: Jesus, thank you for looking on me with compassion rather than condemnation. Thank you for rescuing me from my sin so I might spend my eternity with you. Help me when I see people in distress to look upon with compassion.  In your name, I pray. Amen.