Compassion
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them. Matthew 9:36 (NIV)
During my devotion time this morning, I read an insightful piece from Lori Hatcher in All God’s Creatures. It was titled Rescuing Earthworms. There is a lot of me in this one—even though I am almost 70 now, I still rescue the worms from frying on the sidewalk.
“My grandchildren love worms. They hunt for them every chance they get, digging holes and overturning rocks in hopes of finding big, fat, wiggly ones. When they do find them, they erupt with squeals of delight
I’ve never shared their feelings. When I see a worm, all I see is a slimy, dirty, eyeless creature that looks suspiciously like a snake.
For some reasons, the worms in my yard attempt to cross the sidewalk between the flower beds and the grass. And like the raccoons that try to make it across three lanes of interstate during morning rush hour, few make it. I find them, dried and crispy on the sidewalk.
But one morning, I noticed a live worm thrashing around on the sidewalk. I picked it up. Voluntarily. I wasn’t trying to win a bet or score points with my grandkids. It was just me and the worm.
I did it because I was moved with compassion. I knew my grandchildren love worms, and because they care about them, I couldn’t let this one die. I gathered my courage, picked it up, and dropped it into the bushes far from the sidewalk.
A similar motivation moves me to gather my courage and share my faith with people around me. I find it scary and uncomfortable to talk to people about Jesus, but I do it anyway—because my Father loves them. I can’t let them die and spend eternity separated from Him.”
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Perhaps we don’t all feel comfortable or led to talk about Jesus with adults. I know that I do much better verbally sharing with children. Whatever you can do to show compassion and save souls, please find it in your heart to do it. Personally, I had never considered myself as having much compassion but if I can pick up earthworms and save them, maybe I have more than I thought.
Heavenly Father, when compassion for a lost soul stirs my heart, give me courage, wisdom and direction. Help me do what You want me to do. Use me to make a difference. AMEN.