Like the woman caught in adultery and brought to Jesus.

Like the man at the pool waiting a lifetime for a touch.

Like the possessed and uncontrollable child.

Like the church leader seeking Jesus under the cover of darkness.

Like the tax collectors, evil politicians that sold out for money.

Jesus had compassion on those undeserving of compassion. He saw their hearts crying out in pain under the weight of their own sin. He saw the person inside, not the sinful dirt on the surface. And He had compassion. He did not “judge” them, He freed them, healed them, and warned them to not sin again.

Do we walk in compassion? Do we feel deeply sad for those living in sin? Do we hurt for those who attack us!? Or… Do we delight in justice, getting the punishment they deserve? Do we feel peace when another suffers justly for their own sins, or grief?

The people Jesus had compassion on, were sinners, evildoers, harming others and living a life unworthy of blessing. They didn’t deserve the compassion shown to them, they deserved death! Punishment! Yet, Jesus showed compassion. And so must we.

Does that mean justice is ignored? No! Those in a position of authority, tasked with carrying out justice, must see that justice is upheld as a consequence of sin. But, for everyone else, we are called to compassion. We are called to hurt for the victim AND the criminal. Why?

But for the grace of God, there go I.

If we feel “better”, “holier”, “cleaner” then the criminal, we are deceived! Grace is a gift! Clean is an act of God, not us. We did not save ourselves! What right do we have to feel more righteous than a sinner? None! We are all sinners, deserving of death for our actions, except for the grace of God.

Compassion for the criminal is an admission of humility. A recognition of our own nature. Lack of compassion is pride, self-holiness, self-righteousness. Compassion for others is recognizing the free gift of God given to us.

Compassion, what we freely received, that shall we give.