“After a particularly tough week supporting young people facing unimaginable struggles, the verses above brought so much comfort to my heart. Jesus was moved with compassion. Jesus felt, in his heart, the anguish of this man’s situation and it moved him.
I realised that when my heart feels heavy for those around me, Jesus is moved with compassion too. Not only that, but the compassion I feel in my heart for these young people is only a tiny reflection of the Father’s heart for them.
Lockdown may be lifting, but loneliness and social isolation experienced by many young people over the past year continues to have its damaging effects. In fact, new research suggests that young people have an increased risk of mental health problems “years later”. As I sit beside young people and hear of their heart-breaking stories, I am so thankful that I serve a Saviour who is moved with compassion with me. A Saviour who can bring true life, healing, and can break through any darkness with one single touch.
Jesus didn’t only “feel” compassionately towards the man with leprosy, he was so moved that he acted on his compassion. He was willing to reach out his hand and touch the leper in order to bring true spiritual and physical healing to this man. Just like the leper, young people are desperate for Jesus – and I was to be desperate on behalf of them.
Culture is so broken that it is not moved, but we are called to be people who are both moved with compassion and moved to act on it.
Are you moved by compassion to reach out your hand to these young people today and bring them to the feet of Jesus?
Hannah
(Culcheth Worker)