We are to Demonstrate the Character of Jesus

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36 NIV

In A heartwarming story published by Runner’s World Friday, it was reported that late last month, a Louisville Metro Police Department officer assisted a woman on her morning run when she witnessed a man attempting to jump off the Clark Memorial Bridge near downtown Louisville. The officer on the scene, Detective Kyle Willis, called the runner, Kristen Keeling, the “angel on the bridge.” “That lady that was there, she’s the hero in this,” Willis said in a Facebook post from the police department. “I truly believe that.” The officer called for backup and tried to talk the man down, but a passing woman—Keeling—quickly intervened. She approached the man, spoke with him, and eventually convinced him not to jump. The officer praised the woman’s quick thinking and heroic actions, stating that her intervention likely saved the man’s life... “She didn’t have to do anything. She could have jogged right past and went about her day. Her character and morals are demonstrated with her willingness to get involved... and save a life,” the post from LMPD said.

And, you know, when it comes to our willingness to get involved, Christians should be known as people who don’t go “right past” someone in need, but people who stop to help those in need in the same way Jesus did, thereby demonstrating the character of Christ. You see, when Jesus “saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” In light of that great love, Jesus made it his mission to help all those along his path and, in doing so, saved and changed countless lives. 

So, make it your mission to demonstrate the character of Christ each and every day my friend. Don’t go “right past” anyone that is truly in need but stop and help them. You might just save their life.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the example to follow of what it means to not only feel compassion for others but to act on that compassion. Lord, help us to display your character to the world by our love in action, thereby inspiring the lost to seek You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!