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

Compassion is often mentioned in Scripture as a key motivator behind Jesus’ actions, and it’s important to understand its true meaning. Compassion goes beyond just feeling sympathy or pity for someone’s suffering—it is about feeling their pain deeply, but it doesn’t stop there. True compassion is accompanied by a desire to help them, to bring them out of their suffering and into a place of healing or relief.

This kind of compassion is selfless, where you’re not just moved emotionally, but you are also moved to action—with no expectation of reward or pay. It’s about genuinely wanting to see others relieved from their pain or burden and taking whatever steps you can to make that happen.

Jesus’ compassion was always paired with action. Whether it was healing the sick, feeding the hungry, or comforting the brokenhearted, His compassion led Him to step into people’s suffering and meet their needs. When we embody that same kind of compassion, not only does it show our Christlike character, but it also positions us to receive and operate in spiritual gifts like healing.

Many believers may desire spiritual gifts such as healing, but the motive behind wanting these gifts matters greatly. If the desire for spiritual gifts is self-serving, focused on personal gain or recognition, it will be hard to function in the fullness of those gifts. However, if your heart is filled with genuine compassion for the needs of others, seeking to serve and bless them, then God will see that you are ready to handle the gifts He has for you.

When our hearts are aligned with God’s heart, and we genuinely desire to meet the needs of others, walking in the gifts He has given us becomes a natural extension of our compassion. The gifts are not for us to hoard or use for our own glory, but to serve others.

If you’ve been praying for the gift of healing, or any other gift, ask yourself: Are you moved with compassion? Are you willing to meet the needs of others selflessly, with no expectation of reward or recognition? If so, your heart is in the right place, and you will find that operating in the gifts of the Spirit will be much more accessible. Compassion is the key that unlocks the door to truly functioning in these gifts, not for selfish gain, but to meet the needs of those around us.

Prayer: Lord, I ask for the gift of healing, that I can heal as many under afflictions.