Splagchnizomai

There have been several periods in my life when I have been deeply burdened because of a crisis. I think back and recognize that there were a few people who came alongside me and served as my “Jesus in the flesh” ministering to my need and encouraging me along the way.

The Bible says in Matthew 9:35-36 that Jesus went into the towns and villages ministering to the physical, mental and spiritual needs of people. As He moved about He saw the multitudes, and the Bible says, that He was “moved with compassion” for them. In the original Greek language, “compassion” is “Splagchnizomai” which means literally “to be moved in the guts”.

In other words, Jesus hurt for these people on a guttural level, so deep that it was almost physical. As a result, He was never too busy or in such a hurry to stop and minister to their needs along the way.

It is true that Jesus is not physically present in our workplaces today. Instead, He is present through you and me. And, with the help of the Holy Spirit in us, the Lord wants us to be “Jesus in the flesh” ministering to the physical, mental and spiritual needs of those all around us.

Let me ask you. Do you see the needs of others? Do you have the kind of compassion that Jesus had…that strong emotion, deep- down response that causes you to hurt for them?

Workplace challenge:
Evaluate what you feel when someone is hurting.
Is it a superficial or is it a deep compassion?
Consider the ways you can be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Ask Him to reveal how you can effectively minister to the physical, mental and spiritual needs of those around you. With intention, become their “Jesus in the flesh”.

Trust me! Someone near you is hurting and needs the touch of Jesus…through you! Beginning today, may you be filled with compassion for others.

"The Other 6 Days" - WB Journal