What Would You Do?

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Each day we are faced with millions, and that’s not an exaggeration. There are the more obvious decisions – what to wear, what to eat, whether or not to make that dreaded phone call, etc. And then there are the less obvious, but perhaps the more important ones – how will I respond to this situation, what I will choose to say, will I take time to listen to him or her, what will I do….

There’s a TV show on ABC this season called “What Would You Do?” It’s all about the decisions of people. The other day I caught a few minutes of an episode in which they placed a very real-looking baby doll in a car seat and left it locked alone in a car, accompanied only by recorded sounds of an infant’s helpless cries. It was amazing how many people walked by uncaring or even oblivious to the would-be dangerous happening.

There were those few, however, who were so moved out of compassion for the life inside that they immediately responded to rescue the child. Some called 911. Others began combing the crowds for the baby’s mother. When the pseudo-mom arrived on the scene, each of these who were filled with compassion for the child did not hesitate to unleash their righteous anger on the woman. The “mother”, an actress, responded with indifference which proved to heighten the Good Samaritan’s horror and pleas for care and responsibility. What would you do?

Likely, you would claim to respond like those above filled with compassion for the life of the child. However, is it possible there are thousands of decisions a day that beg our compassionate response to which we turn away and harden our hearts? I have a dreaded feeling this is true. Sadly, I predict that all too often we choose our own comfort and complacency over compassion for others.

I read something interesting today in Amos 1:11 that caught my attention. This verse conveys that Edom had transgressed against God by stifling his compassion. His violent acts and angry rampages, and likely those of his descendents in the country bearing his name, were a direct result of and happened “while he stifled his compassion.” And in doing so, he “maintained his fury.” What deadly decisions were made in the mind of man! By choosing to suppress the God-given ability to feel empathy for others, Edom consequently chose to sustain rage. It was a decision.

In our family, we remind ourselves and each other often that each of us is just one bad decision away from disaster. Decisions are crucial, and perhaps none more important than those that involve compassion for others. Jesus felt compassion for people, and showed compassion in many ways, the greatest of which was in giving His life for us on the cross. Ironically He said, “I desire compassion, and not sacrifice.” (Matt 9:13, NASB) Yet His sacrifice was the greatest act of compassion in history. But it was because of His compassion for us that His sacrifice was made. “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Col 3:12), because He first had compassion for us.

Stifle compassion, and sustain complacency, bitterness, even fury? Or stifle such self-centered, negative feelings, and sustain compassion? What would you do?