Showing Compassion

When I recently experienced a neurological event that resulted in distorted vision, I was referred to a neuro-ophthalmologist.  This specialist quickly determined that I was suffering from double vision and offered a simple fix for the issue.  By adhering a prism to the right lens of my glasses, I was able to see clearly.  Soon my frazzled brain had calmed down enough to be able to drive, read, and use a computer, as long as I took frequent breaks. 

But while the results of the neuro-ophthalmology appointment were positive, my experience with the doctor was not.  Prior to meeting with the doctor, I was put through a round of tests that required me to use both of my eyes, stare into bright light, and attempt to focus my thoughts for an extended period of time.  By the time I was sitting in the specialist’s chair with him rapid-firing questions about what I could and could not see, my head was swimming.  When I started to cry in frustration, he exasperatedly threw a tissue at me and barked, “Stop crying.  I can’t help you if you’re crying.” 

The doctor solved my problem, but his lack of compassion felt cruel. 

This experience got me thinking about how often we do the same thing as Christians.  We become so fixated on productivity that we begin to see people as problems that need to be solved rather than human beings who need to be seen and heard. We offer a service or give a handout, all the while shying away from getting personally involved with them.

Which Jesus never did. He saw people rather than problems. And He treated them with compassion.

Jesus walked the way of love.

Will we follow Him in it?