Hearts That See

Anyone who’s cared for someone else; whether that’s a child, grandchild, aging parent; will understand that the hardest part of the day is after you’re exhausted and worn down from all you have to do in a given day that you still have to give the energy for that other person. And the truth is, it can leave you feeling drained and even more tired. However, there isn’t really a better feeling than knowing you helped someone else. You fulfilled a need in their lives. It’s a feeling that goes beyond appreciation. It’s a satisfaction of the soul that you were the reason someone’s day got better. That’s the meaning behind what the church calls outreach. To be a people who see, not with our eyes. Believers are called to see with their hearts. To be filled with compassion for the world around them. Even the smallest of acts can change someone’s life.

In a parable about separating the faithful from the unfaithful, Jesus said about the faithful for I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ (Matthew 25:35-40 NIV).
 
Compassion and outreach don’t always have to be a grand gesture or even take a large amount of time. There are times when it’s as simple as a few words. It’s about being the light of Jesus in this world. Sometimes just a few encouraging words can brighten even the darkest situations. And it doesn’t have to be hard! See a mom struggling to keep her kids calm in the grocery store? Tell her she’s doing great. See a friend who’s down? Share what you love the most about them. Proverbs 16:24 (NIV) says, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Your kind words could help soothe those around you. Don’t be afraid to share them (Compassion International, Serving Others is Serving Jesus).

See the need around you this week. But don’t just see it with your eyes and move on. Have a heart that sees this week. Be filled with the compassion of Jesus Christ in your heart for the world around you. A kind word. A loving gesture. Be a bright spot in the world around you this week!