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The God Kind of Compassion

April 15, 2013

Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35-36

While on earth, Jesus revealed the heart of the Father by setting a precedence of compassion. He was a magnet for broken people who felt free to approach Him though the rest of the world rejected them. Jesus didn’t get overwhelmed or let His eyes glaze over when He encountered those sick or unwanted people. He was filled with compassion and He healed and restored them. Now, more than 2000 years later, He is asking us to do the same in our generation.

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

When we encounter broken humanity we can choose either desensitization or compassion. God’s compassion is not the same as human sympathy, which can wear us out and keep us running in circles. His compassion will focus us so we can be fruitful.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Compassion is a predecessor to the miraculous. If you feel numb from hurt and disappointment, join the club. Jesus was betrayed by Judas for a few pieces of silver. But God is calling you back to a tender heart. Don’t sell out to apathy. Instead, trust God for a fresh surge of empathy so that you can be ready to impact the world around you. A heart of compassion can change everything.

Trust God,
Pastor Jeff

Copyright © 2013 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.