A caring church

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Welcoming interruptions

Showing compassion almost always involves interruption and inconvenience.

In my work as a minister, I tend to be very goal oriented. I reached a point in my own life where I became easily frustrated when someone intruded on my schedule with their problem or need. I thought, You’re not on my agenda today.

A friend pointed out to me that all of Jesus’ miracles came as a result of interruptions. Jesus didn’t get up in the morning and say, “Well, I need to do several miracles today. I’ll heal two blind men, one deaf person, and deliver a demon-possessed individual so my quota for the day is filled.”

Oh no! He let people get to Him.

A remarkable example of this is found in Mark 5 when the ruler of a local synagogue, Jairus, interrupted Jesus during His ministry. Jairus’ 12-year-old daughter lay dying, so Jesus diverted to their home. But on the way, Jesus was met with an interruption to the interruption!

A woman pressed through the crowd and touched the hem of His garment, hoping the act would result in her healing from a 12-year condition of bleeding. No doctor had been able to cure her despite her having spent all her money.

What did Jesus do? Did He say, “I’ve got more important things to do. I’ve already detoured because a 12-year-old girl is dying. I don’t have time for you.”

Oh no! Jesus stopped, turned around and told the women that strength had gone out from Him. She was healed.

Why did Jesus let himself be interrupted? Because He had compassion on those who suffered. When He said that “strength went out from Him,” He was declaring a truth that describes what happens in all who help others.

It takes something out of you! Compassion will cost you time, effort, strength and money.

But it’s worth it! Oh yes! When we touch another with compassion, it makes all the difference in the world!

George O. Wood

E-mail your comments to tpe@ag.org.