compassion, even in loss (repost)

Last night, I read Matthew chapter 14. It was one of those nights that instead of having a specific topic or book to go by for my quiet time, I chose to just pick a chapter to read and just focus on it's message.
The beginning of this chapter tells of how Herod, blinded by pride, went against what his heart said. It was his birthday party, and Herodias's daughter performed a nice little dance that "greatly pleased him". He promised her anything she wanted, and so at her mom's urging, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a tray. He didn't want to look bad in front of his guests, so he ordered that John be executed, and that his head be brought to this young lady.
After this, John's followers came for his body so that they could bury it, and then they went to let his cousin, Jesus, know what had happened. Matthew tells us that when Jesus heard this news, he went off by himself in a boat to a remote area. He obviously wanted to be alone, like most of us do when we are in the initial stages of grief and shock from losing a loved one. It doesn't tell us how long it was that He was alone, but it does say this... "But the crowds heard where He was headed and followed by land from many villages. A vast crowd was there as He stepped from the boat, and He had compassion on them and He healed their sick." (verses 13b-14), Now did you catch that? Jesus had just lost a man who was probably one of his best friends, someone He was so close to even thru childhood, and what did He do. First, He tried to have some quiet time, going somewhere that was isolated. When He came back to the shore, I'd think that He still had a heavy heart, and was grieving for His lost friend and cousin. He could have just stayed on the water a while longer, or when He saw the crowd, He could have sent them away. But He didn't. Here is where the test of true, deep compassion comes in. Even in His sadness and grief, He poured out compassion on this crowd. He healed the sick and shared His love with strangers. This crowd of people, needy and undeserving, there to be blessed or healed by our Saviour, when He was torn and broken by the loss of John, wanted Him to focus on them, not Himself.
How many times have we been a face in that crowd? Forgetting the needs of others and focusing on ourselves and making it all about us. That's just human nature. But instead of being part of the crowd, we should strive to be like Jesus. When we're having a bad day, we don't see the hurt around us. It's all about "me". How many times have we missed an opportunity to show compassion to someone, be it a friend or a complete stranger, because we were too wrapped up in our struggles. As Christians, we know that we can depend on God to carry us thru, and hold us in His loving arms. What about those who don't know Him? Where do they go? Who helps heal their hurts? Many times they turn to the rest of the world to help, but the only true healing comes from our amazing Father. Jesus cares for us all. The weak and strong, poor and rich, people of all colors, shapes, sizes and social standing. We're so quick to donate goods or money to help others, but when it really counts, when what people need is our selfless love and pure compassion, so that they can see Jesus thru us.
I know I've been using songs lately, but as I thought about writing this, the old hymn "Does Jesus Care". It was written so long ago, but the words should make us remember that no matter what any of us are going thru, we have a Saviour who cares for us, and we should be an example to those around us of how great His compassion and love really are.
Does Jesus Care?
Does Jesus care when my heart is painedToo deeply for mirth or song, (mirth means happiness or laughter)As the burdens press, and the cares distress,And the way grows weary and long?
Refrain:Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,His heart is touched with my grief;When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when my way is darkWith a nameless dread and fear?As the daylight fades into deep night shades,Does He care enough to be near?
Does Jesus care when I've tried and failedTo resist some temptation strong;When for my deep grief there is no relief,Though my tears flow all the night long?
Does Jesus care when I've said "goodbye"To the dearest on earth to me,And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
I hope that the next time you see someone who is hurting, the compassion that Jesus shows us each day will shine thru you, and make a difference in their life. It only takes one person, acting as His light, to brighten a darkened life and make a difference that is eternal.