Daily Devotion

Matthew 5:14-16 – NIV
¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

James 2:15-16 – NIV
¹⁵ Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶ If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?

Over this past week, through these daily devotions, we have wrestled with the call to be a compassionate presence in the world.  As a disciple of Jesus, it seems like practicing compassion should be an easy thing for us to do because of our faith, but most of us know it can be challenging too.  Jack Kornfield, A Path with Heart, wrote, “The things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand.  They are the moments when we serve one another, when we are there in the most attentive and caring way.”  This saying reminds us that a wonderful way to be a compassionate presence in the world is to do so by one action at a time.  

Most of us can probably remember a loving action someone did for us that was life giving.  Perhaps it was a friend or family member who came to be with us when we were sick.  Perhaps it was the person who stood by us with when others left us high and dry.  Perhaps it was teacher who always greeted you no matter want.  We can never discount a simple gesture of compassion.  One beautiful act of compassion can impact a lifetime.  Each touch of kindness can make a difference.  

There are many stories about individuals who have experienced acts of compassion from others and how these actions have literally saved their lives.  This is what Dr. Deogratias “Deo” Niyizonkiza, experienced as an intern at rural hospital during the civil war and genocide in Burundi.  It was through multiple acts of compassion that Deo was finally able to complete his medical degree in the U.S.  Deo now serves the impoverished of the world through Village Health Works.  Wonderful acts of kindness take place amid everyday lives.  What is truly amazing is how acts of compassion, almost always produce new acts of compassion.  Compassion begets compassion.  My prayer for us, as we wrap up these daily devotions, is we let our light shine in the world by being a compassionate presence for others any time we can.  

Look back at your life and recall one compassionate act you did that you believe made a difference.  What is one characteristic of a person who is a compassionate presence that you admire and why?