“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” – Matthew 14:14
On July 16, 2015, Sgt. Erica Hay, an Ocala (Florida) Police Department officer, drove into the parking lot of a Dunkin’ Donuts. She noticed a homeless man in the parking lot who was sitting alone, with his belongings around him. Hay, who was going to purchase breakfast for herself, decided to buy an extra sandwich and coffee to give to the man.
She came outside and approached the man, who was sitting on a curb. She said she asked if she could join him and he said yes. She asked if he was hungry and he again said yes, so she gave him the sandwich and coffee.
TiAnna Greene was driving by the area and saw Hay sit down by the man and give him the food, then begin talking with him on the curbside. Greene took a picture and posted it online. The story went national.
“I decided to take the picture as a moment to show my daughter about compassion and caring,” Greene said, “and also to show law enforcement - which has been depicted recently as negative - have a good side to them.”
She said she also wanted Hay to know that her kindness did not go unnoticed.
Jesus was known for His compassion to others and as His followers that should be our hallmark. Today in prayer, ask the Lord how you can be more compassionate to others.
“The value of compassion cannot be over-emphasized. Anyone can criticize. It takes a true believer to be compassionate. No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or understands.” – Arthur H. Stainback
God’s Word: “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.” – Mark 8:2
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