Jesus was compassionate.
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his field.” Matthew 9:36-38 nlt
Jesus gave us insight on compassion.
The Bible verse says that Jesus saw the crowds and had compassion because they were confused and helpless. Are we involved enough with others to recognize their needs?
Jesus understood their condition. The crowd was like “sheep without a shepherd.” Do we fully understand that others need help to know there is One who can guide and protect them?
Jesus spoke to his disciples. We, too, should be among other believers and work in cooperation with them. We can do that but are we willing?
Jesus said that the need was great, but the workers are few. Do we care enough about others to get involved?
Jesus said to pray. Prayer is important. Do we spend time in conversation with the Father, pleading for help to be sent?
Jesus tells us who should be compassionate.
Me. You. Us. We have been commissioned to point the confused and helpless to God, who loves and offers salvation. We are the ones being sent.
“Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 nlt
Jesus tells us how far our compassion should reach.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 nlt
Our compassion begins at home but doesn’t stop there. We are to follow Jesus’ words and reach out to our city, state, country, and world. His love has no boundaries, and neither should ours.
Jesus tells us how to be compassionate.
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 nlt
Being kind, tender, and forgiving serve a three-fold purpose.
1. It honors God.
2. It helps others.
3. It frees us from the burdens of hatred, mean-spiritedness, and unforgiveness.
Be compassionate.
It’s freeing.
April 29 is Compassion Sunday 2018.
Compassion Sunday is sponsored by Compassion International. Who is Compassion International? Their website states:
“Compassion International is a child-advocacy ministry that pairs compassionate people with those who are suffering from poverty. The ministry releases children from spiritual, economic, social, and physical poverty. The goal is for each child to become a responsible and fulfilled adult.”
Their mission statement:
“Our mission is to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.”
Meet Francis.
Francis has been part of our family since 2014 through Compassion International.
Larry and I teamed with Compassion International to support the needs of Francis through a monthly giving plan. We believe in their mission.
We sponsor a child in a foreign country as a way of obedience to the portion of the Great Commission – to the ends of the earth.
If you are searching for a way to respond to the ends of the earth, Compassion International has many children who desperately need sponsors.
How are you showing compassion? Who are you showing it to? How far does your compassion reach?
MY BIG NEWS
My novel, Running from Asperity, releases on May 1st! You can order here. Thank you for all your support and encouragement. Stay in touch here!
What a great point about needing to connect and interact with people enough to recognize their needs.