Love And Compassion

Philippians 2:4 (KJV) Says, "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."  In John 13:34-35 (KJV) Jesus Says, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." I John 3:17-18 Says, "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"

In the above passage of scripture taken from Philippians we are instructed to be just as concerned for the needs and problems of others as we are our own. In the passage taken from John, we are instructed to love one another as God has loved us. We are further advised that it is by loving one another as God loves us that others will know we are  His disciples. Finally, in the passage of scripture taken from I John, we are asked the question How could the love of God reside within us, if all is going well in our lives, and we ignore the needs of others?

We live in a fast paced, hustle and bustle world where many people pack their schedules full on a daily basis, leaving no time to spend with God; much less be concerned with others. Far too many people are so wrapped up in what they want to do for themselves, that they have little or no time for anyone else. This all about me mentality is growing more and more popular. How can anyone say that they have love and compassion for others, if they are not willing to make time for them, when they are in need? Does this selfish behavior indicate in any way that we are disciples of Jesus Christ? Are we behaving in a manner any different toward others than those that are lost?

We all need someone at one time or another in our lives, and if we deny that fact, then we are allowing pride to stand in the way of the truth. Actually, we are going to need help from others multiple times in our lives for various reasons. We may fall on hard times financially, go through a painful breakup, separation, or divorce, we may need help with a project around the house, we may need a ride because our vehicle broke down, we may need a friend to go with us to a doctor's appointment, or we may need someone to console us because we are feeling down. From small needs to large ones the list goes on and on.

When a family member or friend calls needing you, do you show yourself a disciple of Jesus Christ? Do you show them love and compassion? Do you take the time to listen to them, and actually hear what they are saying? Sometimes all someone needs from us is for us to listen, and show that we sincerely care about them and what they are saying. Do you make time to help someone if they need you for whatever reason? When you see pain or sadness on the face of a family member or friend, do you inquire as to what is troubling them, and offer to help in any way you can? Or, do you go through life so focused on yourself you fail to notice the suffering and needs of those around you? Do you avoid those that are hurting and in need, because you don't want to hear it? Have you ever ignored a phone call from someone knowing they were going through a tough time, and needed you to listen? Are you a loving and compassionate family member, and friend? Do you respond to the needs of others in the same manner that you would like them to respond to you, when you are in need? Do you do so with a sincere desire in your heart to help them?

We should never become so concerned with ourselves and our own needs, that we fail to notice the needs of others, or that we notice, but respond by pretending we didn't. We should never allow ourselves to become so caught up in our own lives and behave so selfishly, that we don't take time to show love and compassion for one another. If you know someone is hungry, feed them. If you know someone needs to talk, listen. If you know someone is sick or injured, call or visit them.  If you know someone needs you because they have a problem, be there for them. If you see a need in someone, and you can meet it, do so with a heart full of love and compassion. I urge you to respond to the needs of others in a manner that reflects who you are as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
                
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