Showing Compassion

Blessed is he who considers the poor Psalm 41:1 NKJV

A central theme of the Bible is that of showing compassion. 'Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing… what good is it… faith… if it is not accompanied by action, is dead' (James 2:15-17 NIV). Certain types of people seem less likely to show compassion than others. For example, 1) the visionary type who refuses to interrupt their schedule 2) the diligent type whose work ethic gets distorted into thinking, 'I worked hard for what I've got; so should you'3) the judgmental type who assumes the misfortune of others is always a result of reaping what they've sown4) the insecure type who feels that by giving to others, their own needs will go unmet5) the scripturally unenlightened type who doesn't understand that God has promised to reward compassion: 'Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble… protects them and keeps them alive… gives them prosperity… and rescues them from their enemies… nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health' (Psalm 41:1-3 NLT). Jesus said, '… whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for me' (Matthew 25:40 NIV). Mother Teresa said, 'If you are kind, people will accuse you of selfish motives; be kind anyway. The good you do today, most people will forget; do good anyway. Give the world the best you've got and it may never be enough; give your best anyway. In the final analysis it's between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.'