Contagious Compassion

You O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love. – Psalm 86:15

Jesus’ heart was filled with compassion for the hungry, widowed, abandoned, hurt, blind, and diseased.  

One way Jesus showed His compassion was by touching the “untouchable.”  For example, despite the fact that Jewish law forbade touching people with leprosy, Jesus cared more about an outcast man than he did the law:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  - John 13:34-35

Jesus’ miraculous touch changed this man’s life forever.  Free from leprosy, he could return home to his family, get back to work providing for them, and love them with close affection.  Just imagine how much love must have exploded in the house upon his joyous return!

Jesus also wants to touch your life with His love.  He reaches out to everyone.  No one is off limits and no one is more important or more worthy than another to receive it.  We are all equally valued in His eyes.  Look at this diverse group of people Jesus touched physically or emotionally: 

• A hated tax collector – Matthew 9:9
• An influential religious leader – John 3:1-21
• A homemaker – Luke 10:38-42
• A Roman governor – Mark 15:1-15
• A young boy – Mark 9:17-27
• A rich man – Mark 10:17-23
• A poor widow – Luke 7:11-17
• A sick woman – Mark 5:25-34
• A foreign woman – Mark 7:25-30
• A sinful woman – John 8:1-11
• An enemy who hated Him – Acts 9:1-9

Rich or poor, young or old, friend or enemy, Jesus’ love knows no barriers or boundaries.  It consumes all nations, all colors, and all kinds.  What if Jesus’ compassionate love was contagious and we caught it and loved each other like He did?