Kindness – Kindness That Draws Near (365/209)
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We are often willing to help from a distance - a message, a donation, a prayer. We can care without ever getting close. But some kinds of suffering require something more: the courage to draw near.
“Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him.” (Mark 1:41)
The Bible in Mark 1 talks about one such man with leprosy who knew what it meant to be kept at a distance. His condition had separated him from family, community and worship. He lived outside the camp, required to announce his uncleanness wherever he went (Leviticus 13:45-46). Yet he dared to approach Jesus and his request was humble: “If you are willing, you can make me clean” (Mark 1:40). Jesus graciously answered the fear before addressing the disease: “I am willing.” Then He reached out and touched him. Jesus did not recoil from the man others avoided. He moved toward him, touched and healed him.
God’s holiness does not distance Him from our brokenness. In Christ, His holiness moved toward us in mercy. Jesus touched the untouchable, entered our broken world, bore our uncleanness on the cross, and restored our communion with God (Isaiah 53:4–5; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Pause and Ponder
Whose pain or brokenness am I tempted to keep at a safe distance?
What might it mean for me to draw near without trying to fix everything?
How can I communicate Christ's acceptance and dignity to someone who feels rejected?
As we follow Christ, may we be people whose kindness crosses boundaries, draws near to the hurting, and makes room for Christ’s compassion to restore what is broken.
Compassionate Jesus, help me see beyond appearances and respond with Your tenderness, dignity and love. Amen.
Extended Reading: Mark 1:40-45
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