As Christians, we are called to treat others with compassion and forgiveness. But how should we handle situations where it becomes difficult to do this? Can you think of a situation in your life now or in the past where this might apply? Let’s take a look at some instances where Jesus showed compassion to different people.

Examples of Jesus’ compassion:

1. John 3: 1-21* (Jesus and Nicodemus). . .Jesus took the time to explain the teachings about being born again.
2. John 8: 1-11* (a woman caught in adultery). . ."Didn’t even one of them condemn you?. . .Neither do I."
3. John 21:15-22* (Jesus reinstates Peter). . ."Follow me."

In each case, Jesus could have responded with negativity or criticism. But He did not. He responded with love. How do we deal with people in our lives who challenge our Christianity this way? A couple of things to note:

1. Feelings are valid and need to be expressed. However, they should not be used as an excuse to harbor bitterness against another person
2. Showing compassion does not mean that we just roll over and accept another person’s sin. Circumstances will dictate the appropriate response we need to take, but in each case we ought to do our best to help the person to see a given situation for what it is. In each of the cases above, Jesus lovingly challenged the people involved to repent:

   Nicodemus: "You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you do not understand these things?"
   
   Adulterous woman: "Go and sin no more."
   
   Peter: "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

3. When we are faced with a challenging situation, we ought to pray and seek advice from men and women of God, and look to His word for the answer (Proverbs 3:5-6* says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek Him in all you do, and He will direct your path.")

* New Living Translation