Born in a Barn: Jesus’ Messy Family — Friday
Mark 1:41
Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” (NLT)
Have you ever noticed that some of the kindest, most compassionate people come from really tough circumstances? They’ve endured difficult things in life, yet when Jesus is at the center of their lives, they carry a peace and comfort that can’t be explained. Somehow, they have the gift of putting others at peace, too.
That’s a trait that comes straight from Jesus. He came from a terribly broken family history, yet He had overwhelming compassion for the marginalized. It doesn’t take much digging through the Gospels to find an instance when Jesus was “moved with compassion.” When you’re hurt or ashamed, you really have two choices: Let anger and bitterness fester, or surrender it to Jesus and let Him use your battle to help encourage others.
So let me take a moment to encourage you today with these verses, in the hopes that you’ll give everything to Jesus, be moved to compassion, and let Him use your story to encourage others:
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (Psalm 34:18)
Friday’s Reflection
Meditate on these scriptures today. They are Truth. Once you have impressed them on your heart, take a moment to pray that God takes your story and uses it to bless others. Make a commitment to let what Jesus has done for you shape your empathy toward others. Let us be followers of Jesus known for our compassion and love because of the compassion and love Jesus has shown to us!