Following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, we were all overwhelmed by the
images of devastation and hardship endured by the people of that tiny nation.
Of the many heartbreaking pictures, one captured my attention. It showed a
woman staring at the massive destruction—and weeping. Her mind could not
process the suffering of her people, and as her heart was crushed, tears poured
from her eyes. Her reaction was understandable. Sometimes crying is the only
appropriate response to the suffering we encounter.
As I examined that picture, I thought of the compassion of our Lord.
Jesus understood the need for tears, and He too wept. But He wept over a
different kind of devastation—the destruction brought on by sin. As He
approached Jerusalem, marked by corruption and injustice and the pain they
create, His response was tears. “Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept
over it” (Luke 19:41). Jesus wept out of compassion and
grief.
As we encounter the inhumanity, suffering, and sin that wreak havoc in
our world, how do we respond? If the heart of Christ breaks over the broken
condition of our world, shouldn’t ours? And shouldn’t we then do everything we
can to make a difference for those in need, both spiritually and physically?
Compassion offers whatever is necessary
to heal the hurts of others. (RBC)
