“May we seek the deeper places
where our compassion, our joy reflect
You, the God who is Love.”

Virgil Fry

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14, NIV

Jesus had compassion. Those three words could sum up a great majority of Jesus’ ministry. He saw the crowds, the mother in mourning, the blind men, the lepers (etc.) and felt compassion.  Then, Jesus took decisive action. He spoke, he questioned, he touched, and he healed. Usually, it wasn’t just a physical ailment, but a brokenness of spirit or heart as well.

He reached out to the marginalized, the hurt, and the lost souls of society. Jesus actively engaged with those who were suffering; he intentionally saw people in their need. Despite his business, his travel itinerary, or even his own exhaustion, he took the time to truly see people and love them.  

The infinite love and boundless compassion of Jesus Christ for humanity are at the very core of his divine nature. Jesus’ compassion serves as a guiding light for believers seeking solace and salvation.

I was listening to a Ted Talk by Elizabeth Dunn. Her research indicates that when we help others, it can bring us happiness. How? Giving money to charity is beneficial and usually appreciated, but it doesn’t guarantee happiness. Those who experienced enhanced happiness were more intentional. Dunn encouraged others to “create opportunities to give that enable us to appreciate our shared humanity.” They found opportunities and ministries which allowed them to converse with those very people they were helping.  

I have had many opportunities to be proud of my older stepdaughter as she has accomplished many wonderful things. But one of my proudest moments was when she helped in a much-needed ministry here in Nashville. She participated in the Room in the Inn which is a ministry which provides a meal and shelter for the homeless during the winter months.  What impressed me wasn’t just that she served a meal, but she sat and conversed with them. She saw them and she was moved with compassion. She acted on that love of others.

The most surprising thing that I have found when I am participating in any act of service, is that they serve me more than I serve them. I find happiness.

Following the guidance of Jesus, our empathy can extend beyond mere sympathy. We too can actively engage with those who are suffering. By embracing Jesus’ compassion, we can attain a deeper connection with him and comprehend the true essence of his divine love.

The upcoming holidays and winter months give many opportunities to serve others, but remember, giving can be an all-year blessing. There is always need in our communities.

When we strive to emulate Jesus’ compassion, we become conduits of his love, spreading kindness and making a positive impact in the world. Let us embrace the divine love of Jesus and allow his compassion to guide us on our spiritual journey.

A Prayer for Compassion

Lord God,
We confess:
our lifestyles are too busy,
our focus self-centered,
and our world is consumed
with fear, greed, and pride.
Sometimes, Lord, we react
to the pains of others
with a flippant “who cares?”

Yet, in our more receptive times,
when Your Voice calls to
our innermost beings,
We know with absolute certainty two things
we desperately need:
To be loved…and to love.

Hear us, Lord,
grateful,
thankful to experience occasional
breakthrough moments
of unconditional love.

Be with those whose hearts are broken,
demoralized by life’s blows;
those who mirror to us that unfairness and suffering
is not lightened by pat answers or avoidance,
but is made bearable
because of fellow travelers
who truly do care,
and show it.

Walk with us, God.
Our trek is not always easy,
our vision shortsighted,
our love often hidden.
May we seek the deeper places
where our compassion, our joy reflect
You, the God who is Love.
Amen.

By Virgil Fry

More Information:

2023 Thanksgiving – Nashville Rescue Mission

Room In The Inn

Compassionate Hands Ministries – Serving the Homeless of Wilson County, TN for the past 5 years and counting (compassionatehandstn.org)

Home – Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee (secondharvestmidtn.org)

American Red Cross | Help Those Affected by Disasters

These are just a few of the ministries listed in my area.

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