We are all incredibly self-focused, self-centered people. It is only through great intentional effort that we can become other-focused people. The key is becoming so overwhelmed by the truth of God’s love for us that we look for our basic validation only from Him. Accepting and believing in God’s great love for us will free … More Are you other-focused?
After we admit our brokenness and cry out to God about it, we should share our brokenness with others so that they can help us carry the burden. We were not meant to do life alone. Paul told the Galatian Christians to “carry each other’s burdens,” saying that “in this way you will fulfill the … More Carrying Help
Luke the Gospel writer shares a story about Jesus’ interaction with a funeral procession that caused him to respond with compassion. Luke 7:11-15 says, Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being … More All loss must be mourned!
Mark the Gospel writer shares a story about Jesus’ interaction with a leper that caused him to respond with compassion. Mark 1:40-42 says, A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched … More Dying of Loneliness
The Gospel writer Matthew shares a story about Jesus’ interaction with two blind men that caused him to respond with compassion. Matthew 20:29-34 says, As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they … More We want our sight!
So what do you think of when you see a crowd of people—at Walmart, at a restaurant, or in a traffic jam? I am impressed by the attitude of Jesus “when he saw the crowds . . .” Matthew 9:35–36 says, Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the … More When he saw the crowds
Compassion is more than having sympathy for someone; it requires action. The first time I felt compassion was during summer 1972, the summer before I started high school. I was a very selfish, self-centered 14-year-old. My dad asked me whether I wanted to accompany him to Arizona to help him hold a “Baseball and Bible” … More One pair of pants
Michael Edward Nichols 