September 1: Weekly Reading- Raising the Widow’s Son; The Revived & Insight Post by Kim Feld

  -   September 1, 2025

Jesus’ Compassion for the Vulnerable: When Jesus saw the widow mourning her only son, He was moved with compassion and acted to bring her son back to life. This story demonstrates that Jesus is deeply moved by the suffering of those who are vulnerable and in need.

Monday Verse

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:18 (NLT)

Monday Questions

How can I be more aware of those who are hurting around me, and what practical steps can I take to show compassion like Jesus?

Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld

Although whether or not the US is experiencing an empathy decline is hotly debated, studies have been conducted that seem to point to it. One of the factors that is believed to contribute is the desensitization that many feel from exposure to negative news overload. Stress is also felt to add to our inability to feel compassion toward those who are not within our immediate circle. This week’s reading gives us a sharp contrast.

Jesus’ encounter with the widow and her son results in the miraculous event of raising the young man from the dead. Jesus’ power on full display must have been remarkable to witness, but the people also saw His heart. Take a look:

¹³When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Luke 7:13 (NLT)

Our Savior is not distant and far removed from our suffering. He is present, and His heart “overflows with compassion” for the pain you and I endure. He doesn’t suffer from a lack of empathy; He is overflowing with it.

Did you know that our tears are so precious to God that He collects them? He keeps track of each and every sorrow we suffer. As much as family and friends may love me, no one loves me more than Jesus. I am never “too much” for Him.

⁸You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 (NLT)

When we show compassion to others, we reflect the likeness of Jesus. Our goal as followers of Christ should be to become increasingly like Him every day. That’s a tall order, but He has given us His Holy Spirit to help lead and guide us in that direction.

Is there someone in your life that God is calling you to show compassion to? He surrounds us with opportunities every day to point others to Himself; we just have to be open to them.

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org