“When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36

My wife and I both have Tuesdays off. We usually spend the day running all over town doing errands. Not the most exciting “date-day,” but at least we get to be together. This past Tuesday we were at the grocery store, and it was unusually crowded for a Tuesday morning. We were trying to go up and down the narrow aisles and it seemed like someone was always in the way. Then it came time to check out!…there were only two checkers open, both with very long lines of people pushing very full carts. Do you ever feel like people are just in your way everywhere you go!?

I am amazed when I read Scripture and see the heart of Jesus. Everywhere he went there were people. Sometimes the crowd was pressing in around him so much that it was hard for him to even move. This would drive me crazy! But not Jesus. He continued to have compassion on them. He continued to see them as individuals who were lost and hurting; in need of someone to care for them. As hard as it is to fathom, this should be our heart as well. I encourage you to spend some time praying, “Lord, give me your eyes. Let me see people the way you see them.” Those around us should never be obstacles or objects. Though we cannot personally minister to every person we see (even Jesus did not do that), we can have patience and compassion…and maybe even be praying for them as they pass by.

Father, give us the eyes of Christ. Give us Your heart for people. Let us live with kindness and compassion for those around us; not because we feel obligated, but because we love them.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon