Have you noticed that we are not only an anxious nation, but in many ways we are a grouchy nation as well? Part of it stems from our lack of patience. We have been ingrained with the belief that everything should be instant including our gratification. But part of it is we have lost a basic kindness and care for our neighbor. In short, we are lacking in compassion. This is clearly evident on social media. It appears that some people get on social media simply looking for a fight. Therefore, I want to challenge myself and fellow Christians to be different. In a world where it is normal and easy to nitpick someone, let’s instead look for ways to encourage others and meet them in their suffering and pain. This is what the writer of Hebrews was getting at in Hebrews 5:2, “He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.”
The writer is setting up the argument of how Jesus is the greater High Priest than the Aaronic priesthood of the Old Testament. To do so, the writer talks about how the Aaronic priests needed to make sacrifices for themselves, because they were fallen sinners as well as the people. However, Jesus was and is without sin. Therefore, the sacrifice that He made was not for Himself, but instead solely for sinners. It is in this way that we need to understand as Christians that we are like the Aaronic priests (tribe of Levi). We are all fallen sinners who are daily in need of God’s grace. We need His grace as much as those who are lost do. Therefore, instead of reacting with anger or judgment towards people, we need react with grace and compassion. We need to have empathy for them, because before Christ we were just like them. It is only because of God’s grace and His Spirit living inside of us that we are changing and becoming more like Jesus. So, the next time you find yourself getting frustrated because of something someone is doing, take a moment and remind yourself that they are an image bearer of God just like you, and they need the same grace that God has shown you. After all, if Christians won’t be compassionate and gracious, who will?
By His grace and for His glory,
Pastor Justin