To know the mind of Christ, look closely at His compassion for people. Often in the confusion of life, Jesus focused upon the needs of people who were diseased, hungry, worried, and hurt. The New Testament word for compassion means a deep gut-ache that comes from feeling what another person feels. Living in a world of pain, Jesus experienced what we live with and offers Himself as a comfort to our lives.


As a chaplain, I was riding with a State Trooper one evening when we were asked to check on a vehicle in a restaurant parking lot. We encountered a family whose need was evident. My friend said, “I think you could use a decent meal. Let’s go in; you order and I’ll pay.” I bet Jesus would have done something like that.


What Jesus did for so many brought physical and spiritual healing. The time you reach out through giving a meal, lending a ride, or just sitting with someone during a difficult time may be the very thing that points a person to Christ. A heart of compassion makes all the difference.