Job 12:5 – Those at ease have little regard for the calamity devastating the lives of others.
Matthew 9:36 – Seeing the people, Jesus had compassion for them, because they were distressed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd.
Hebrews 13:3 – Remember those in prison, as though in prison with them, and those suffering adversity, as though you were in their place.
If we have been blessed with good health and a higher measure of financial security, our household isolation during this pandemic only makes dispassion toward others easier. The substantial disruptions which have invaded our lives preoccupy our attention. We can readily adopt the mindset, “I’ve got more than enough to be concerned about in my own life!”
Yet around us thousands and thousands and more and more households are being infected, are dealing with the hospitalization and death of loved ones, are experiencing job loss and financial destitution, are finding their lives and futures completely devastated. And so many of them are going through this “without hope and without God in this world” (Ephesians 2:12).
Yes, the breadth and depth of need is absolutely overpowering, and the measure of help needed is humanly impossible. Yet Christ calls us to not close our hearts, but to join with His heart. We look upon the masses and are overwhelmed; He looked upon the city and wept (Luke 19:41). When He saw the distressed and helpless, he was moved with compassion. Are we?
We likely cannot rescue those imprisoned in various situations, but the Word admonishes us to empathize with the prisoners as though imprisoned with them. We may not be able to bring much relief to those suffering adversity, but the Lord calls us to hurt for them as though suffering in their place. Of what use is such heart stirring? Certainly it will mobilize our prayers on behalf of the afflicted. Further, it will ready us to respond as the Lord gives opportunity and prompts us. Above all, it will please the Father to look upon us and see the beauty of His beloved Son.
How will you today “be a doer and not just a forgetful hearer” of this word from the Word (James 1:25)?