Compassion

More than any other descriptive word, Jesus is most often described as compassionate. It was the primary force operating in his heart. Scripture frequently says that he was moved by compassion. Can you think of a time in your life when compassion moved you? Maybe when you saw someone in need, heard about a tragic loss, or visited a third-world country?

Colossians 3:12 instructs Christians to “put on” compassionate hearts. Is there someone in your life who is far from God and you have lacked compassion toward them? Who comes to mind? 

The apostle Paul talked about his burden for those who were far from God, then he used the rest of Romans 9 to teach on God’s sovereignty. He wanted us to face the fact that we can’t save anyone ourselves—God must do it. Yet the sovereignty of God is not an excuse for our passivity because God wants us to carry a burden for the lost with him. 

That’s why Paul said, “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved” (Rom. 10:1). He knew that God was ultimately in control, but he also knew that God has chosen to run the world in partnership with believing prayer and acts of faith. Your words and actions make a difference in the eternity of the people around you! 

This is why every honest follower of Jesus must learn to step beyond what is comfortable and share the love of Christ. We must ask God to soften our hearts and deepen our love for others, but this request is dangerous. Real love is risky. You can get hurt. You might be rejected. Are you willing to risk vulnerability and begin to love others as Christ loves them? 

Psychologists have discovered a phenomenon in human biology. When two lovers sit down next to each other, the beating of their hearts will synchronize. It does not occur when two strangers sit down in the same place. 

The closer you get to God, the more your heart will align with his. You will begin to feel what he feels. His deep, burning affection for the lost will start to mess up your life. You will weep in prayer. You will be unwilling to sit back and do nothing. Soon, your love for others will propel you past your comforts and self-preservation. And your life will never be the same. 

What will you do this week to grow in your expression of compassion? Ask the Holy Spirit to break your heart with compassion for others, especially those far from God.