How can we show compassion like the women in Luke 23:27 today? Setting the Scene “ A great number of people followed Him, including women who kept mourning and wailing for Him.” (Luke 23:27) These women were publicly identified with Jesus in His darkest hour. Their heartfelt lament showed a compassion that cost them something—safety, reputation, emotional energy. Key Marks of Their Compassion • Emotional engagement—They “kept mourning and wailing,” refusing to stay detached. • Visible presence—They followed Jesus on the road, standing near enough to be noticed. • Courage—Aligning with a condemned man exposed them to ridicule and possible danger (John 19:25). • Self-forgetful love—Their focus was on Christ’s suffering, not their own comfort. Biblical Principles for Us • Empathy is commanded: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15) • Proximity matters: the good Samaritan “came up to him and bandaged his wounds.” (Luke 10:34) • Compassion reflects Christ: “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) Practical Ways to Show Similar Compassion Today Presence • Sit with the grieving; attend the hospital visit or funeral even when words fail. • Offer uninterrupted listening—phones down, eye contact up. Empathy in Action • Write a personal note or send a brief voice message expressing shared sorrow. • Bring a meal, run errands, or babysit for sufferers who are overwhelmed. Courageous Identification • Stand with marginalized believers facing mockery for their faith or moral stands (Hebrews 10:34). • Publicly support those unjustly treated, even if it risks your own reputation. Persistent Care • Mark a calendar reminder to check in one month, six months, a year after a loss; grief lingers. • Invite recovering friends to normal life activities so they aren’t isolated. Sacrificial Generosity • Set aside a portion of income or time each month for benevolence (Acts 20:35). • Share professional skills—legal advice, job coaching, tutoring—with those who can’t pay. Intercessory Support • Pray consistently for the hurting, naming specific needs (2 Corinthians 1:11). • Let people know you are praying; it reinforces that they are not forgotten. The Fruit of Compassionate Living • Sufferers experience tangible love, easing their burdens (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). • Observers see Christ’s character embodied (John 13:35). • We grow in Christ-likeness, fulfilling His call to follow Him, even when the road is hard (Luke 9:23). |
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