Matthew 9:36
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Scripture Insights
Christians are often judgmental toward others and critical of worldly culture. This tendency stems from the way we see people: Are they sinners in need of correction? Are they threats to our values and way of life?
When Jesus sees the crowds, he sees people who were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” He responds not with criticism but with compassion. He tells his disciples to ask the Lord to send workers into the harvest field, and then he sends them out to proclaim the good news of the kingdom, drive out impure spirits, and heal the sick.
This is the call of the church: to be the ones Jesus sends into a broken and suffering world, to people who feel harassed and helpless, who need hope and guidance in a time of great confusion and change. Our neighbors don’t need our criticism; they need our compassion. Our energies should not be spent casting blame but sowing blessing.
When you look at your community, what do you see?
Today’s Prayer
Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear the needs of our communities. The world groans under the weight of sin and suffering. Nevertheless, help us not to respond with criticism but with compassion, as you did, and still do.
Prayer Journal Reflections
Reflect on blessing our communities in the church in Canada and the United States.
—Albert Hung
District Superintendent, Northern California
