Compassion That Moves
Every time the Gospels mention that Jesus was moved with the deepest emotions or felt sorry for people, it led to his doing something physical or inner healing, deliverance or exorcism, feeding the hungry crowds or praying for others. The Good Samaritan was commended precisely because he acted.
The priest and Levite, paragons of Jewish virtue, flunked the test because they didn’t do anything. “Which of these three in your opinion, was neighbor to the man who fell in with the robbers?”
The answer came, “The one who treated him with compassion.” Jesus said to them, “Then go and do the same.”
—Brennan Manning, Reflections for Ragamuffins
True compassion is more than a feeling—it moves us to action. Brennan Manning reminds us that every time Jesus felt deep sorrow or empathy, He did something. He healed, fed, delivered, prayed. The Good Samaritan didn’t just feel sorry for the wounded man—he stopped, stepped in, and made a difference. Jesus praised him, not for his theology, but for his mercy in motion.
In recovery—and in life—it’s easy to be overwhelmed by our own pain or the needs around us. But compassion isn’t about fixing everything—it’s about being present, taking one small step to love someone well. That might mean checking in on a friend, offering a listening ear, or simply choosing kindness over judgment. Feeling love is good. But doing love? That’s where healing multiplies. Jesus’ invitation remains: “Go and do the same.” —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics