Monday, September 8, 2014

A Compassionate Heart


 "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed,
came where he was.
And when he saw him,
he had compassion."
( Luke 10:33 )
~*~
"Go and do likewise."
( Luke 10:37 b )
~*~ 

This lesson in the Bible on the Good Samaritan
teaches us on compassion and grace.
( Luke 10:25-37 )

There was a certain man that was on his way to Jericho,
and fell among thieves. They stripped him
of his clothing, wounded him,
and left him for dead.
( Luke 10:30 )

A priest went down that same road and came upon him,
passing by on the other side.
( Luke 10:31 )

A Levite also went down the same road, looked upon him,
and he too passed him by.
( Luke 10:32 )

But a certain Samaritan, as he was on his journey 
came upon him,
but he...had compassion
( Luke 10:33 )
~*~
When we as individuals comprehend the depth of God's love,
we can learn how to love even the least lovable,
becoming Good Samaritans to those around us.
Proverbs 14:21 teaches us that "he who has mercy
on the poor, happy is he."
 Compassion does not originate
in religion or responsibility,
but in a relationship with God. 
When we are graciously walking in the Spirit of God,
we will manifest Christ, and His standards
found in the Word of God
and compassionately love the unlovely
and the needy.
~*~
 The Good Samaritan saw the need of this wounded
helpless man, and did something about it.
Just as Jesus, in Matthew 14:14
"And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude;
and He was moved with compassion for them,
and healed their sick."
Jesus stopped to meet the needs of the crowd,
healing their sick.
~*~
This Samaritan man was on a journey,
he was obviously heading somewhere...yet...
he stopped and took the time to care for this man in need.
His heart was moved with compassion, and he took action.
The Samaritan man not only had compassion on this man,
but grace and kindness was showed upon him.
He "bound up his wounds, placed him on his own beast,
took him to an Inn, and there took care of him.
He then gave the host of the Inn money for this mans needs
asking the host to care for him,
and said he would return to pay the remainder of the bill."
( Luke 10:35 )
That is love-in-action!
*~*
It is so easy to get caught up in ourselves
and all that fills our own lives,
that we, many times miss those wonderful opportunities
to be a servant of the Lord.
Would we... like the Samaritan...
stop in the midst of our "journey" and take the time
for that one whom God has placed in our path?
What could be so pressing that we would be like the
Priest or Levite, and just walk on by?
A heart like Jesus should be our desire,
full of compassion and grace.
Our hearts should be aroused by the suffering
or misfortune of another.
When we give of ourselves in the lives of others,
there is great joy.
God's Word commands us to
"Go and do likewise."
( Luke 10:37b )
~*~
May we not be like the Priest or Levite,
seeing the need of another... and passing by.
But may we have the heart of Jesus, 
and the Good Samaritan,
reaching out to others and taking care of their needs
bringing glory to our Great God!

  
Our Precious Heavenly Father.
Oh to be like Jesus...
Cause us to follow after Thee,
and to be like Thee in the lives of others.
Grace us with Your love and compassion
giving us a heart that is moved
when we see a need.
Amen.

~Be Lovely~
Debbie

19 comments:

Cranberry Morning said...

That is a lovely post, Debbie. It is very easy to get busy and not be aware of those in need around us.

Stephanie said...

"Love in action. . ." Three simple yet profound words!

Thanks for this wonderful post, Mom. May our hearts be full of love and compassion for ALL those around us.

Love you!

Sola Scriptura said...

What a beautiful, encouraging post! I pray that I will become more compassionate, loving and gracious.

NanaDiana said...

What a lovely post and that image is heart warming. I believe compassion for others is one of the best traits we can possess. xo Diana

Deborah Montgomery said...

I love the picture Debbie! I wonder how many times I've missed an opportunity to be compassionate because I've been too busy. Lord , give us eyes to see.

Debby Ray said...

Oh Debbie....that is such the desire of my heart as well but I have to admit I fall short in this area. Thank you for this lovely post that speaks to my heart and for that beautiful prayer. Bless you, precious sister!

Marilyn Mathis said...

Such a beautiful post. I see that the Lord impresses several people with the same thought at about the same time. You express this so well. Bless you. Hugs.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

What a beautiful message you've shared with us, Debbie. We all need reminding to be Good Samaritans. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.

Anonymous said...

"It is so easy to get caught up in ourselves and all that fills our own lives, that we, many times miss those wonderful opportunities to be a servant of the Lord."

Debbie, I am learning more and more to empty what I call "my own life" to keep it free for helping others. I'm sort of the one people turn to to walk their dogs, pick up their kids, stop at the grocery store, wait for the cable repair guy, etc. Not all the time, but it gives me deep pleasure to be able to help that way. And because I've worked for myself the past 17 years, I could fiddle with my schedule to make things work out. Thank God I am allowed to help in these ways.

Vicky Hunt said...

Beautiful message sweet friend. It is so easy to get caught up in our busy lives and be blind to the needs of others. Thanks for the reminder to take time for others. Have a blessed week.

Hugs, Vicky

Jeanna said...

This is a great message and lesson. I have a co-worker who challenges my compassionate heart on a daily basis. I will read this post over and over again. Thank you Debbie!

Valerie said...

Dear Debbie,
What a lovely, encouraging post. And what an absolutely precious picture of that little girl with her puppy.
Blessings,
Valerie

Jazzmin said...

What a sweet joy to my soul to read this. I am thankful to be reading your wonderful words tonight and to be blessed by the reminder of how much like the Savior I want to be, especially when it comes to compassion... to follow the example of that Samaritan and of our Lord Jesus who set that amazing example for us. I have been pondering compassion a lot recently, applying it to having compassion for animals as well, because a sweet little kitten at our house got his foot caught in the fence and was in pain. We were about to cry feeling so sorry for that precious little creature and found it hard to help him and think of how to get him out before we were finally able to free him- Thank you, Lord!... it reminded me how much compassion has a part in our lives and how important it is as a quality the Lord instilled in the hearts of His children, for how many situations would have terrible endings if the kindness and compassion of someone's heart had not allowed another to be comforted and helped.

Thank you so for this post. God bless you, and I hope you are having a wonderful week, Debbie. Thank you also for your lovely comment! How it was a joy to get to read. Thinking of you and your parents as you help them through the changes they are dealing with. Your servant's heart and giving attitude is inspiring and beautiful.

Blessings and hugs,
Jazzmin

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

A lovely reminder to remember the compassion of the Good Samaritan and look for opportunities to be worthy of being called the same. Such a lovely post, you always inspire - in the name of Jesus - to follow a righteous path. Thank you, my Dear. Blessings xo Karen

Anonymous said...

I just found my way to your blog.

What a beautiful place you have created.

Winter

Anonymous said...

Sweet, biblical blog! Thanks for this.

Ceil said...

Hi Debbie! I love your last prayer, to be graced with love and compassion. That is being like Christ, and that's the whole point of Christian life.

You pointed out that the Samaritan was on a journey. We are all on journeys too, but that doesn't mean I should be so focused on that, that I miss the person puts in front of me to help. I have to stay aware, and I know that's something I have to work on.
You have such a loving heart, it comes right through your words.
Ceil

Robyn said...

I so enjoy visiting your blog, Debbie, because it fills my heart with joy and compassion. I need these reminders and also the confirmation that it's ok to help strangers. So many times people tell us to keep on walking when we see someone in distress because they are afraid for their on safety but we mustn't do that.
You make me smile. I bet people tell you all the time that you are a very special person, my daffy friend. Many hugs and love to you. xoxo

M.K. said...

I do think we often get so head-strong in our personal journeys, that we don't slow down to notice those around us who are needy. We even pass them roughly, as if they are in the way. Little do we know, they are the reason we are traveling this life! Thanks for this reminder.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...