An old gospel song prays:

To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus
All I ask to be like Him;
All through life’s journey
From earth to glory
All I ask to be like Him.

Perhaps nowhere is that more needed today than for His children to live out the compassion of Christ to our world. As Paul wrote to the church at Colosse:

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (colossians 3:12)

In a world full of people who are hurting, who sin and are sinned against, who offend and are offended, we constantly see those who are distressed and dispirited. We see people all around us who carry the scars of the pains and burdens of this age. To them, we are called to go in the strength of God’s Spirit and grace to be like Jesus. To live out before others the compassion we ourselves have received from Him. To show His compassion to those who like sheep have gone astray and point them to the Shepherd whose compassion is a healing balm for their hearts.

As His children, may we live so that the word that captures the heart of Christ might be displayed in us as well.

Compassion.