Beyond Camp Student EditionSample

Curiosity or Compassion?

Why is it that when we hear about someone suffering in some way, we’re often more interested in the details of what happened than we are in how we can help?

When Jesus’ friends passed a blind beggar (John 9:1), they talked about why he was suffering—not about ways they could actually help him.

“Rabbi,” His disciples asked Him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” (v. 2).

They were curious and wanted to know who was to blame. They didn’t seem to be thinking about how they could show God’s love to the man. Did they really need to know the answer to their question? How would that help anyone?

Thankfully, Jesus chose to live out of care and love for the man. Instead of gossiping about what had happened to this man or why, He helped. Jesus made God’s love known as He took time out to heal a man most people probably ignored or just gossiped about every day.

Are you feeling curious about somebody’s problem—perhaps someone you met at camp? Shift into a like-Jesus mode to move past curiosity. Swap curiosity for compassion. Find out how you can give practical help. Maybe with homework, with chores, or with patient listening.

Let prayer be your first step, but not your only step. Show the compassionate love of Jesus. Not sure how? Ask.

Written by Our Daily Bread

What’s your natural reaction to hearing someone is suffering? How can you avoid gossip and other harmful things and allow God to show you ways you can show His love to the person?

Dear Jesus, I need You to help me guard my words today. I don’t want to gossip or hurt others by what I say.