This Week's Readings: Torah: Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19 Haftarah: Isaiah 54:1-10 Brit Chadasha: Colossians 3:12-14

Been cut off in traffic lately? Had anyone trip you as you walk through the hall at school? Ever get the feeling that you are surrounded by a culture committed to the idea of "Everyone for themselves!" We see too often today a general lack of civility in our society. People, busy with the needs and issues of their own lives, have increasingly become insensitive to the needs and feelings of others. G-d has called us to live our lives differently. G-d has called us to show genuine, selfless concern for others. In Jewish tradition this is called Gemilut Chasidim, deeds of compassion, and this call for compassion is the focus of my drash on Parashat Ki Tetze for this week.

In the Torah portion we see several examples of G-d's compassion for both mankind and animals. To think that the King of the Universe cares about the working conditions of an ox! Certainly the Torah portion contains these instructions because G-d knows that as people we tend to do what is practical and selfish. In the text we see examples of G-d's compassion for women taken in battle, women accused improperly by their husbands, animals and the way their owners treat them, and the poor borrower at the hand of the wealthy lender. G-d is concerned and has compassion for all of his Creation and He expects us as His people to be concerned and show compassion as well.

In the Haftarah portion G-d speaks of His eternal compassion and concern for Israel His people. The text overflows with G-d's love and forgiveness, and yet also gently reminds us that G-d's forgiveness is based on His compassion and not on anything that we have done as His people to earn it. G-d says,

"Briefly I abandoned you, but with great compassion I am bringing you back. I was angry for a moment and hid my face from you; but with everlasting grace I will have compassion on you."

We must consider the grace G-d has shown us and demonstrate our thankfulness by showing that same grace to the people around us.

In the Brit Chadasha portion Shaul challenges us to "put on" (an action word) compassion for others as G-d has shown His compassion for us! As we just discussed in the Haftarah portion, G-d has shown His compassion for Israel as an example for us to follow. So how do we show compassion? We live out the attributes of humility, gentleness and patience to whomever G-d brings along our daily path. We determine to practice quick forgiveness when wronged or offended. In short, we learn to treat other people in the way that we ourselves would want to be treated.

G-d has demonstrated His compassion for us and His creation, so we must learn to be compassionate to those around us. How are you living out this scriptural command and Jewish practice of Gemilut Chasidim? Do you love your friends, but find yourself indifferent to strangers? The Scripture tell of times when people entertained strangers who turned out to be angels! Begin to practice compassion by asking G-d to use you unselfishly in the life of someone else. Prayerfully look for opportunities to show Messiah-like compassion to the people G-d brings into your life this week.