A Compassionate Heart
Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:36
If we don’t have compassion for the people, how can we truly bring the love of Christ to them? Jesus had a heart of love and compassion, and he brought the Father’s truth to everyone; and like Jesus we have love and compassion for everyone. This becomes our desire when our hearts are filled with God’s unconditional sacrificial love.
The definition of compassion is: “Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.” With hearts of love, we try to help people with their needs, even if it takes our time and money. After all agape love is unconditional and sacrificial, and look what Christ did for us when he took our sins to the cross – the ultimate in unconditional and sacrificial love.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) A heart of love motivates us to help others in whatever way we can, and helping others brings great joy in our hearts. But we need the faith to use our time and money first for God.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33) Many Christians read this verse, but how many actually have the faith to live it? We put money into the church, but what about compassion for souls outside the church? We witness to people outside the church in order to bring them into the church. The church, which are the people, are suppose to witness to the world, and how can we be witness showing God’s love without showing compassion?
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? (James 2:15-16) Our faith brings action, driven by a compassionate heart that shows we care about the person(s), then they are usually open to listen about Christ. We can often start a weekly Bible study at their location once we get to know the person(s). We always pray for Christ to open doors for us, so we can bring Christ to people with a heart of love and compassion.
Today pray for the Lord to open a door to show compassion and God truth to someone.
Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with your love and compassion, that shows that I care about others. In Jesus name, Amen.