"True compassion means not only feeling another's pain but also being moved to help relieve it." —Daniel Goldman, Psychologist & Author
The devastating fires in California have gripped the Country with alarm and concern. It seems unfathomable that such destruction could engulf such a large swath of territory in such a short time with relentless ferocity. The dire situation is compounded by insurance companies withdrawing coverage from homeowners in the region. I can't imagine the grief and loss, helplessness, frustration, and even anger these citizens are feeling. I hope we are all praying that the weather would relent and there would be some relief for the thousands of families, leaders, and emergency assistance personnel who have been affected.
Our initial human reaction is to find someone or something to blame. Sadly, there has been finger-pointing, a rumor mill, a lot of political posturing, conspiracy theorizing, and some less than scientific surmising about how, why, and through whom this disaster has come. I love Tracee Ellis Ross' admonition for us to choose compassion over judgment and curiosity over fear. Rather than jump to conclusions and rhetoric, we could remember the wisdom of Mr. Rogers who said, "When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" Firefighters from around the world have come to assist in California. Relief organizations, churches, families, friends, and neighbors have come alongside the hurting with COMPASSION - sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. The Latin compassio, is from the root compati ‘to suffer with.’ People are doing more than merely offering 'thoughts and prayers,' they are getting involved and divesting themselves of their own money, clothing, and resources through relief organizations like Matthew 25 Ministries to assist to those in need—to suffer with them.
In the New Testament, the Greek word for compassion is splagchnizomai, which the Lexicon says conveys a deep, visceral feeling of compassion or pity. It describes an emotional response that moves one to action, often in the context of mercy or aid. In the Jewish context compassion was a significant virtue, reflecting God's own merciful nature. Splagchinzomai refers to the "inward parts" or "entrails," which metaphorically refers to the seat of emotions. In the New Testament, it is frequently used to describe Jesus' response to the suffering and needs of others, highlighting His empathy and readiness to help.
35Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” (Matthew 9:35-38)
We pray the LORD of the harvest will send compassionate laborers into His fields—and not just in California. There are so many places where empathy, mercy, and kindhearted benevolence are needed in this season. | 
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