Those Others

Nothing stops pain like a touch of ‘Compassion.’ Sunburn misery? In ten seconds instant ‘Compassion’ stops the agony of sunburn. Lasts up to six hours. Scrapes and Bruises? Whenever the kids bring home skinned knees, spray on ‘Compassion.’ Give relief and dry tears fast. ‘Compassion’–guaranteed to stop pain or your money back.”

I am sure you are very glad to learn from that ad that instant “Compassion” is available in a three ounce spray-can with money-back guarantee. Unfortunately, it only works on sunburn and skinned knees and, unfortunately, it doesn’t last very long. The deeper lasting compassion that our world so desperately needs is not available in a spray-can–but it is available. God, through Jesus Christ, has given Himself to us in such great love that He has made it possible for us to have compassion. And this is largely what it means to be a Christian: to feel and to express compassion.

We see this in the life of Jesus Himself, of…