It was a frigid night on Nov. 14 in New York City when Officer Larry DePrimo noticed a homeless man with no shoes or socks. Ironically, the homeless man was sitting in front of a shoe store. Compassion moved the officer's heart. He went into the store, bought a pair of boots and thermal socks, and came back to the homeless man. He was overheard by a tourist saying, “I have these size 12 boots for you, they are all-weather. Let's put them on and take care of you.” Officer DePrimo then proceeded to put the socks and shoes on the homeless man's feet. The tourist caught the good deed on her cell phone which she passed on to NYPD's FaceBook account. Since then, the photograph has gone viral with Officer DePrimo becoming an online sensation. Not only is he an internet star, Officer DePrimo is being asked on morning talk shows and will undoubtedly end up on late night TV as well.
It is an inspiring and heartwarming story that portrays the embodiment of the Christmas spirit. However, I am saddened by the fact this story has become a novelty; almost as if no one ever does any good deeds. I am sure there will be those wanting their 15 minutes of fame staging acts of kindness, hoping to be the next online sensation. However, the great gift is not in the act, but the motivation of the act. God doesn't bless an act of kindness when the motivations are for fame or recognition. God loves a cheerful giver - a giver motivated by compassion and mercy; not selfish ambitions. 
As Christians, this story should only give us pause to wonder when the last time, we acted out of pure compassion. The idea of compassion and mercy are not new ideas to us, but are a necessity for the life of followers of Jesus. There are deeds such as Officer's DePrimo done on a daily basis that no one sees but God. But, then again, God is the only one who needs to see. He sees the motivations of our hearts; whether our giving is out of true compassion or for a selfish hope someone will see and praise us in open. Jesus desires that we share the compassion and mercy He has poured on us. If we all lived by His standard, charity would not be a novelty or 'newsworthy' or even applicable to only one holiday per year. It would become a way of life … the life of a follower of Jesus.