COMPASSION – RESTORATIVE FATHER
The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye ( PROVOST)
The definition of compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is hurting, in pain, or has misfortune and is accompanied by a strong desire to help the suffering. Jesus Christ is the greatest example of someone with true compassion. Not only did Jesus have compassion and heal people from physical suffering,He also showed the greatest compassion for mankind when died on the cross for our sins.
Kerry White Kent, in his book about ‘Simple Compassion’ percieves this as the ability to make a difference in your neighbourhood and world. He further analyses this whole topic in the Bible and concludes by showing that God’s compassion is infinite and Eternal,(Lamentations 3:22-23)
Compassion is a communicable attribute, We can also get and exercise it from God because we are made in his image. Jesus said that the greatest Commandment is love for God… and neighbour as yourself. “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”(1 John 3:17). A life without compassion reflects a lie because we cannot not claim to love God whom we cannot see but fail to love our brothers.(1 John 4:20)
It’s not always easy to show compassion, especially when we feel like the person deserves their misfortune. Our Passages today reveal that compassion is a true mark of Christian character.
The Old Testament Reading reveals how the people of Judah had experienced suffering but God due to his merciful nature promised their rescue (Zec 10:1-7). Stephen Miller and Mark Boda explain that that Zechariah was purposely written in two primary segments, between 520 and 470 B.C to teach, warn, and correct God’s people. God expected his Chosen race and other Nations to recieve Salvation. Zechariah’s example of breaking through national prejudice reminds us to reach out into all areas of our society. It is evident that when Israel became disobidient, God punished them but due to his mercy, he called them back and promised blessings. (Vs. 1-7)
The New Testament text, Luke 15:11-31 Gives us another great example of a Restorative Father full of Compassion. The Parable of the Prodigal son points to the Great mercy and Grace recieved by one who messed up but was recieved back home after repenting. Are you able to repent and approach God as merciful father? Are you able to forgive and Love the world like Jesus taught?
More Insights from Darrel Bocks Application Commentary affirm that Luke’s history is an orderly account of Jesus Christ who is the Great Physician. This Gospel projects Christ as a Univesal saviour who gives attention to the minority or outcasts in relation to Jewish Culture. Jesus Christ was compassionate to the Gentiles, Samaritans, women, children, tax collectors, sinners, and others regarded as outcasts in Israel.
We may suffer to an extent of losing our peace, property and even our loved ones. Our climate and economy is deterioting. Many Countries after the Covid Pandemic are still on the recovery Road. All puzzle us but God’s mercy and Grace can pull us out of these challenges.This month, may God help us to accept Christ and live for Him as a response to the great Compassion offer; His death on the the Cross, the source of every blessing.
The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye,
Provost.