Yearning Bowels

# 413 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 6:34, “And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.

The word compassion as found in the Scriptures literally means “yearning bowels.” I love that definition because even though it may seem a little crass, it describes perfectly the idea of true compassion.

Think about it. Our physical body is made in such a way that when our bowels “yearn,” we have no choice but to find an avenue of relief. This was the impetus for the action of the Good Samaritan. He had no choice in the matter, he was compelled to act on behalf of the man in the ditch. Jesus likewise couldn't help it here! He saw a need and responded accordingly.

To resist these yearnings is to set yourself up for the spiritual constipation of a hardened heart. Pity the priest and Levite who ignored the need of the man in the ditch, there is no joy in the rigors of constipation, either physical or spiritual.

Oh Lord, we live in a fast paced world and it is easy to say, “I don't have time, or let someone else do it,” Help us to be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit's prompting in the area of compassion. You didn't give us grace to bottle it up, grace, by its very nature flows. Let it flow through us as we respond to the opportunities that You place before us today. In Jesus name, Amen.

I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word