This week we’re excited to hear from Pamela Polanco! Stop by the contributors page to learn more about her.
As I write this, I have been a mom for six full days—crazy, right? That adjective, in particular, holds a lot of meaning for my husband and me because it genuinely has been beautifully crazy. As I write this, I watch my newborn son fuss and fight to remove an eye mask that protects his eyes as he receives much-needed light therapy.
I see him turn and twist, cry inconsolably, and put all his strength into ending the process; it makes my heart ache. We hold his little hands and wish he could understand how needed the process is for his well-being.
Although I know this is best for him, my heart moves with compassion as I witness his suffering. As I dwelled on his situation, I was reminded of a time when my Lord, too, was moved with compassion.
In John, we read, “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept” (John 11:33-35).
We often remember John 11:35 as being the shortest verse in the Bible. When we need to quote a verse at church, kids love to quote this one. It is relatively easy to remember, isn’t it? But I think this verse gives us so much more, and it’s so fitting that it is easy to remember.
Even though I know my son’s therapy is for his greater good, I can’t help but feel moved by what he’s feeling. Likewise, although Jesus knew that Lazarus would resurrect, He couldn’t help but feel moved by what the sisters and those around them were feeling. He was moved with compassion many times in the Gospels.
As my child’s experience moves me, I know the Lord’s care and concern for us is even greater (Isaiah 49:15). He’s not a stranger to human feelings or experience. He’s not surprised by them. He’s not one to reprimand them. Instead, He’s moved by what we go through, and as a result, He’s compelled to action.
Last night, my husband and I took turns holding our baby’s hand to help him endure and comfort him during his treatment. We wanted to provide a way for him. And that’s precisely what God does for us. He provides a way; He did so for Lazarus, the ten lepers, and the multitude as He fed them—for the world as He gave His life on the cross. He’s our greatest lesson on compassion.
It is easy for me to feel moved by my child’s experience, but I should really feel as moved by the circumstances of those around me—by their physical and spiritual state. Compassion compels us to action, to live out the Gospel.
So, let me finish by urging us to live a compassionate life in light of the Gospel.
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