Compassion is our DNA

Just this weekend I came across Reuters’ article by Steve Scherer on the crisis of refugees in Europe. It has been reported that 700 people lost their lives this past week trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea in their dingy boats into Europe. Of those who died, a little child. A little over a year if that, the baby floated on the Mediterranean Sea. The status of parents unknown – they might be dead as well. It is so easy to hear these many tales and get grieved, and wonder why the displacement; why the pressure on Europe’s resources; why do they keep pouring in; why don’t they stay in their own country? This is too much!

And yet humanity is a powerful potent concoction. Humanity gives us feelings, empathy, love, and even grief as others grieve. Humanity brings us to tears when others cry. Humanity helps us to open our hearts when there is a need. Humanity helps us to listen, when someone wants to talk.

The German humanitarian organization Sea-Watch had been operating a rescue boat in the sea between Libya and Italy, when they spotted this child like a doll with arms out stretched bouncing on the oceans’ surface. One of the rescuers on board the boat pulled the child out of the waters. The picture taken above shows the rescuer holding the child closely as though it were a living child. Even singing to help calm both him and make sense of the situation he found himself in. That is humanity.

There is no sense in this world, when there is no rest for the youngest, the defenseless and most vulnerable. There is no sense in hundreds of people perishing in the oceans. There is no sense in us getting angry at these people and hushing them away either. There is no sense in seeing pain, carnage, death; and not be moved. There no need analyzing why the death; why the pain; why our backyard!

I am reminded of when Jesus came across the five thousand people who were hungry, displaced maybe, and in need. He did not send them away. Though His disciples would rather have done just that! Jesus on the other hand showed compassion. He invited them to seat down; and rest themselves. He took the little bread and fish available, and gave thanks. He fed them; and there was more for these people to take home with them.

We are Christians. I pray that our reaction to the things happening around us and around the world will be based on Jesus’ template. Our reactions must never be birthed out of an inner strife, fear, worry, or even others irrational responses. Our response must always be birthed out of ‘What Would Jesus Do?’

Such a response will always bring you to compassion, empathy, love, endearment, patience. This can only be the response we have when we see such pictures; when we hear such news that can and must only break our heart.

The world is so broken; but we can be one of its sources of healing. I pray so.

Linda Faith

Linda faith is the editor of Jewels Magazine. She co-pastors along with her husband Revival Worship Church, Tampa. She is a prolific writer and powerful speaker, inspiring many women to be all God has called them to be. She is the founder of Joy Women’s conference which reaches out to empower, inspire and motivate women in their faith walk.