Compassion

“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” – Matthew 14:14. My life story, which I have shared many times before, illustrates the power of love and compassion.

We can all agree that at this time there is a great need for compassion. We must feel the need. We must be “moved,” unafraid, toward this great need of our time. We are being called upon every day, challenging us, to demonstrate what Christ Jesus had shown us by example. “The works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do” (John 14:12) is our Master’s command, and there is no condition we cannot heal when we are moved in Christ’s direction, drawn with compassion. However, without compassion we can do absolutely nothing.

It does not matter who we think we are; in fact, it is possible that our lack of compassion could do harm instead of good to the sick when trying to heal them. And it is a mockery of God, who Himself is full of compassion and love. Compassion comes first, before any attempt to heal. The desire to grow in compassion for the needs of others is more powerful than the fervent attempt to heal with a lack of compassion.

I’ll never forget my experience many years ago, when Mrs. Doris Evans, a teacher and practitioner here in Plainfield, invited me to come to the United States from the Benin Republic where I was living at that time. I always like to use this life experience to illustrate the prowess and limitless power we all have been given to demonstrate with certainty that God is all-loving and that His love and compassion are beyond measure.

Mrs. Evans never for a moment thought I was beyond the reach of her compassion, and she proved it — and so was everyone in the Plainfield Church. When your compassion is coming from God, like hers, and you are being “moved,” it knows no boundaries, no limitation, no color of skin or race, no religion or belief, but follows Christ as it leads you.

If you are honestly trusting God with your instincts and desires, it is impossible to go wrong, or do wrong. If God can never do or go wrong, why should we? Thinking the opposite is to dishonor God and a disservice to Christian Science. Don’t be fooled into believing that compassion is weakness; don’t buy into that suggestion. It is the fundamental of Christianity. All healing must begin from the standpoint of compassion; for there is no other way. The Bible made no secret what the key in our Master’s healing is. Let us all move toward the need, not run away from it, answering the call and not shy away from it. Our Heavenly Father sees every right deed and will bring it to pass, and all will be blessed!