Devotions: Complete Compassion

He will have compassion on the poor and needy,
And the lives of the needy he will save.

Psalm 72:13 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

This was a psalm of Solomon outlining the qualities of a righteous king. Among the many listed is compassion on the poor and needy. In order for a king to be considered righteous, he must have compassion on those who cannot contribute to the wealth or success of his nation, on those who can only take from it. He must work toward the betterment of those people, and seek to rescue them from oppression and annihilation. This concept is contrary to the actions of most political leaders in world history. In a way, it seems to be contrary to human nature. How often do we avoid, look down on or put down those lower than ourselves. However, this is not only a requirement of a righteous king, but of a righteous individual, and yet so few do it. Many think it is important, but few are moved to action. Compassion is made up of two components: feelings and actions. Leave out feelings and it is merely duty, leave out actions and it is merely pity. Compassion is an emotion which moves a person to action. Not many portray it in its full extent. Do you reveal that level of righteousness? What needs to change?