PODCAST
Compassion Sets Us Free
October 22nd, 2014
2 Kings 5:1-14
Naaman, a Gentile military leader, had leprosy. A young girl from Israel was taken captive and served Naaman’s wife as a slave. Rather than cursing her captors, her heart was filled with compassion. She urged Naaman to go to Elisha the prophet and ask Jehovah to heal him.
We are tempted to only love those who love us and respect those who respect us. Rather than express forgiveness and compassion for those who are insensitive to us or even abuse us, most of us resent them and wish them ill. This young Israelite slave teaches us how genuine compassion for others, including our oppressors, can set us free!
Compassion is more than a duty. It is the attitude of a transformed heart. Our Lord instructs us to “not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you” (Matt. 5:39-42).
Author: Jerry D. Porter
