Matthew 20:34
“So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.”
One of the common words that describes Jesus is the word “compassion.” You cannot separate compassion from the ministry of Jesus Christ. No one had more compassion than Jesus. We see people today talk of their compassion, but none had more compassion for people than Jesus Christ.
The problem with compassion is that many don’t know how to express it. Being compassionate can be uncomfortable to some because they just don’t know how to express their compassion. When someone is hurting, how can you express your compassion to them? That is what many people struggle with. Yet, when you look at Jesus, you can learn how to express your compassion for others when they are hurting.
First, be empathetic towards their condition. You will notice that Jesus recognized their problem. It says that Jesus noticed they were blind. When someone is hurting, it is good for you to stop and recognize what they are going through. I want you to notice that Jesus did not talk about his problems and what He was going through, but he focused on the problems of others. When people are hurting, they don’t need to know how you have gone through something similar and it wasn’t that big of a deal. First, you don’t truly know that their problem is not that big of a deal. Second, your situation is different from theirs. Never compare your problems to others. Simply be empathetic towards them and let them know you recognize their situation.
Second, find out what you can do to be a help to them. Jesus had the power to heal the blind, and He did it. When you see someone is hurting, ask them what you can do to be a help to them. The common question I ask people is, “Is there anything I can do to be a help?” They may respond by telling you that they don’t need anything, but at least you asked to see if you could help.
Third, pray with them about their problem. Jesus didn’t have to pray because He had the power to heal them. On the other hand, you don’t have that power, so you need to pray and ask Jesus for help. All you have to do is ask the person if you can have a word of prayer for them at that moment. Don’t say that you are going to pray, but stop and pray for them. Simply ask them, “Can I pray with you right now?” That will do more to help them than you will realize.
Finally, don’t forget them once you leave them. Part of compassion is following up to find out if their situation is getting better. Just because you have moved on doesn’t mean they have. Coming back a day or two later and asking them how their situation turned out will help to comfort them in knowing that you cared for them.
Being compassionate is something every Christian should exemplify. Don’t be so wrapped up in yourself that you are not compassionate to others. The Christian life is truly all about others, and the greatest way to help them is to be compassionate towards them in their time of need.