The last few years I have shared my thoughts on the need for genuine love and compassion on Facebook. We have been called to be the light to the world and Jesus told his disciples that the world would know that we belong to Him because of the way we love one another. What better time to be that light and example of love than at Christmas. This is a great time of year to most but to some it only reinforces their feelings of loneliness.
I look for examples of God’s word being lived out all around me and a few years ago I found it in the theme of a Disney movie, Frozen. I’ve only seen it once but I came away with a clear message of reaching out to those who are hurting. Look at the words to one of the songs – those of you with small children or grandchildren probably know it by heart.
“Do you want to build a snowman?…
Come on, let’s go and play!
I never see you anymore
Come out the door
It’s like you’ve gone away
We used to be best buddies
And now we’re not
I wish you would tell me why!
Do you want to build a snowman?
It doesn’t have to be a snowman
Ok, bye.”
As I’ve said in my devotionals on many occasions we need to be aware of people who are hurting. For whatever reason the holidays seem to accentuate feelings of loneliness. I know, I’ve been there. But there’s really only one answer to a lonely heart.
It’s not a good therapist, it’s not a new love, it’s not change of scenery or job, or a puppy or food or alcohol. It’s not even building a snowman. It’s finding personal relationship with the One who loves you unconditionally.
“Praise the Lord because he is good. Sing praises to our God. It is good and pleasant to praise him…3 He heals their broken hearts and bandages their wounds.” Psalm 147: 1 & 3 ERV
Jesus is here to provide the comfort and consolation we so desperately need.
“If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29 Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. 30 This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 CEV
Sometimes hurting people hide behind big smiles and laughter, some hide behind rude and obnoxious behavior and others just hide. When Jesus started his ministry it was said that He was moved with compassion. Compassion is that deep life-changing love. And since God has put His love in us we should shine brightly with his compassion in reaching out to other.
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36 CEB
“When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion for them and healed those who were sick.” Matthew 14:14 CEB
“Moved with compassion [for his suffering], Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Mark 1:41 AMP
“When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.” Mark 6:34 CEB
I’m asking you today to look for hurting people – ask them to come build a snowman or share a cup of coffee, a cinnamon roll…share your time, your love, your forgiveness and compassion.
By so doing you will have shared Jesus and He is the one who heals the broken hearted!
“When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, 36 and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.” 37 Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink?..40 The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:35-40 CEV
Find a way to give the gift of compassion today!