“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” Matthew 9: 36-38

Compassion Like Jesus

What a verse for us right now in 2021. It is so easy, too easy, to look around at people in our community, our state, our country and be filled with anger with the choices and statements they are making. Do you feel your temperature start to rise when you watch the news or are on social media? I know I do!

BUT, because my goal every day is to be more like Jesus, I need verses like this one in Matthew to remind me to put away my flesh and act like Jesus acted. He saw the multitudes, lost and scattered and weary, and He was filled with COMPASSION for them, not anger, not frustration. Today let’s replace some of that anger we have for others with compassion for them. Those lost sheep, who are being blinded by Satan, let’s love them like Jesus does. Let’s rise up and be laborers for the kingdom harvest. The harvest is ready—let’s go bring them to Jesus!

Lord, please forgive us for our anger toward the others in this world. We lay that anger at Your feet, knowing justice is Yours. Soften our hearts today, Father, so that we may be filled with compassion for others around us. We pray for You to send out laborers to gather the harvest, but we also say, “Send me, Lord!”—for Your glory and Your kingdom. Thank You for Your love, Jesus, and may we be more like You today. Amen.