(continued from yesterday’s post)

Two scenarios. Two requests. One denied (as far as we know). One granted. The difference: the movement of compassion.

When we examine the Greek word here we find that it means “moved in ones bowels.” The people of the day believed the bowels to be the center of love and pity within a person. I know this is kinda crude, but i’m just going with the idea here! Amovement of this kind is involuntary. It just happens. When it does, you just have to move with it!

I never knew my Great-grandfather, but my family tells tales of him. He was apparently quite a “colorful” character as they say. I don’t know why, but on a number of occasions my father has made reference to one of his grandfather’s favorite sayings, which i have edited for you here: “When you gotta go: GO!” I find the statement strangely appropriate for this discussion.

Compassion is not something we muster. It is not something we can conjure on demand. It is simply something that happens, and when it does we move with it. As we live with Jesus and receive His word, the movement of compassion is just a matter of time: it will happen. We don’t have to force it.

Why am i telling you this? Because people will get upset with you when you don’t give them what they want; especially when you have it within your power to give. I’m not talking about a sandwich for the hungry man. I’m talking about your time, your resources, your energy, your gifts, your service… There is no end of expectation and obligation in this world. This clamoring cries drown out the sound of compassion moving within us. If we answer them, we end up giving away gifts that were meant for someone else. I know, this is all very offensive, but it can’t be helped. Most of the time (certainly not ALL the time), we’re not really offended with one another; we’re offended with God. He tells people to say, “no” to us. He gives what we want to someone else. He moves one of His servants to serve someone else when we want them to serve us. The movement of compassion is mysterious and can be frustrating. It’s best for us to take the offense and frustration directly to Jesus and have it out with Him. Let Him set us straight. We need to free one another and so free ourselves to move with compassion as it moves.