[Difference Makers] Harvest Sample

Compassion For Sinners

Jesus felt compassion for the crowds, because they were weary and worn out, harassed and helpless. If we are going to be difference makers, we must ask, do we have compassion for the crowds? 

I confess that sometimes, when I am watching the news, I don’t have compassion. I think, “This is chaos. This is crazy. I am aggravated with you people. Why can’t you get a clue?” At other times, I get ticked off. I hope it is a righteous anger. I say, “I’m sick of this.” But the Lord wants us to have compassion. Sometimes I think, “If I had grown up like that, I might have turned out that way too. Who knows where I would be? Let me have compassion. Let me love that person.”

Of course, no one should break the law. I am not negating that in the least or trying to be soft on crime. But people do make crazy decisions because they are hurting, wounded, or confused; they have been molested; they have had all sorts of problems in their lives. We must recognize this and have compassion even as we stand for truth. 

Sin makes people worn out and weary. There is a truth to that. Sometimes people who sin think it is the sin that is making them cool. For example, maybe they can drink more than anybody else. But in just a few decades their bodies are wrecked. Sin literally wears us out. It creates a weariness. It can lead to medical ailments. 

The Bible teaches that sin brings death. It makes us worn out and weary. I met with an adulterer, a man who had cheated on his wife. He said, “It is exhausting.” He said it was a relief to be found out, because the sin of double lives was exhausting. Sin is exhausting, but following God is exhilarating. 

We all sin, but there is forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Many in our church have made decisions that they are not proud of in a lot of different areas, but Jesus has the power to forgive sins. He has compassion for us. There is hope in Jesus Christ. He makes a difference in us so that we can make a difference in His Name. 

Pray: Jesus, please give me a heart like Yours, full of compassion.