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“But God has joined the body together in such a way as to give greater honor to the lesser part, so that there should be no division in the body, but that the parts should care for each other equally. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:24-26).
If we see our brothers and sisters in the congregation in the body and its members, then a serious question arises from the biblical passage: Do I see or feel the emotional or physical suffering of my fellow believers? Am I close to the needs of my neighbor and do I feel compassion?
Too often, we only start thinking about this when we ourselves find ourselves in a situation marked by sorrow and suffering. Only then do we realize our helplessness.
Our Lord Jesus acted differently. He exemplified compassion for us and always had an open ear for the suffering of others. In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 7, verses 11-17, we read about the deceased young man from the town of Nain. He was being carried out of the town, and the boy's mother wept bitterly, as he was her only son. Jesus did not pass by but saw the widow's grief. It moved him deeply, so he said to her, "Do not weep!" (Luke 7:13).
In the Gospel of Matthew we also read: “And Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and neglected, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:35-36).
“Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4a).
We have a Lord who is compassionate and merciful. Did He not also bear suffering and pain for us? All the more so can He understand us and share in all the weaknesses and suffering to which we humans are subject. The Lord Jesus is our absolutely perfect example.
The Apostle Paul addresses this theme in his letter to the Galatians: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Doesn’t this call us to care for one another? Instead of criticizing from afar, we should rush to the aid of our brothers and sisters when they are in difficulty or despair, helping them in every way possible. Sharing in the suffering of others will not only change our actions but ultimately our character. The person I am speaking to no longer seems worthless to me, and I identify with their distress. As a result, I forgo personal gain.
Through practical compassion, I show that I share in and bear the burden of someone's worries and problems. Often, a word of encouragement or comfort is enough. A handshake or the willingness to simply listen can be further signs of genuine interest in my neighbor's distress. But practical assistance, such as material or financial help, may also be necessary. Above all, however, a heart full of compassion will drive us to prayer. Prayer is surely the most important service we can offer someone. Peter, who served so diligently in the early church, also experienced the power of prayer.
“So Peter was kept under guard in prison, but the church continually prayed to God for him” (Acts 12:5).
How wonderfully he was led out of prison! God did His work, but the church stood firm in prayer for him. How wonderful it is to know such prayers are there to support us and to be strengthened by them. When one member suffers, the whole body suffers, and ultimately every individual in the church. I will then no longer be able to see myself as a complete person, since the function of each member is interdependent.
For the body, too, is not made up of one, but of many members. Therefore, I too am dependent on the support of my fellow believers and must develop a genuine awareness that we need one another in the body of Christ and must stand up for one another. Everything that hurts another Christian should be most close to our hearts.
Jesus said in Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
It's not always easy for us to approach everyone with compassion. We live with experiences and prejudices, which often makes showing compassion difficult. But have you ever tried to see Jesus in the person you're talking to? Do it for your Lord and Master! He has given us the commandment of love and empowered us for such work!
From Youth Compass 03/2019