"There are people whom we instinctively consider less and who instead are in greater need..." - Pope Francis, Sept. 22, 2013

Compassion, at its root, is seeing people as God sees them. Regardless of their history, their decisions, even their sins--seeing a beloved, created being in need of love. That's the way Jesus lived, and by association, the way his mother, Mary, lived too. 

Combined with the words of the hymn "Salve Regina" from the Middle Ages, Pope Francis' words shared in the second track of his music project, Wake Up!, are a powerful reminder to not just love another, but to see everyone the way God does--as interconnected, part of the same family.

The list of people in need is indeed great. As Pope Francis listed, it includes "the most abandoned, the sick, those who have nothing to live on, those who do not know Jesus, youth who find themselves in difficulty, young people who cannot find work." 

We're invited to "be true brothers and sisters"--an invitation that's been shouted from the mouth of God throughout the generations. Long before Jesus' earthly ministry, Deuteronomy 15:7-8,10 (ESV) prescribed the familiar connection between those in need and those who can help:

"If among you, one of your brothers should become poor ... you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be. You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake."

And in the wake of Jesus' ministry, the Apostle John posed an important question for those whose view of others' doesn't match God's family values: "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?" (1 John 3:17 ESV).

It's a great question for all of us to ask as we take note of the people around us who have needs. Who are they? What's their story? What are their needs? How have we viewed them? How does God view them? And how can God fill in the gap in our perspectives? 

Lord, help us to love one another as you've loved us (John 13:34). Give us a realistic perspective of the grace you've given us, that we may be instruments of that grace to our brothers and sisters who need it, regardless of if we believe they deserve it or not. We get to love, and You get to sort out the rest. Thank you for using us; give us Your eyes. In Jesus' name, Amen.