Compassion in Action

“When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd.”  Matthew 9:36 (AMPC)

Compassion.  That is the one thing people need more than anything else in this world.  They need someone to reach out to them with the compassion of God.

Compassion is a deep yearning that responds to the needs of people.  It is much deeper than sympathy.  Sympathy can just sit around feeling sorry for people.  Compassion has to do something for them.

Compassion is what motivates God, and Jesus’ life on earth was a picture of that compassion in action.  His whole ministry was driven by it.  It was compassion that caused Him to multiply the loaves and fishes, heal the sick, cast out demons and raise the dead.  It was compassion that compelled Him to go to the Cross.  Moreover, it is that same compassion that He now longs to pour out through us.

That is a staggering thought, is it not?

It is staggering to realise that we believers are the only body Jesus has on this earth now.  His healing must flow through our hands and our faith.  His compassion must move us to provide for the hungry.  It must compel us to cast out demons and set the captives free.

“But André, I do not have that kind of compassion!”

Yes, you do.  If you have the Spirit of God dwelling inside you, you do; because He is that kind of love!  You simply need to activate it.

How?  Just like Jesus did when He walked the earth.  Through prayer and fellowship with the Father.  Look through the Gospels and notice how much time Jesus spent alone with the Father.  That time activated the compassion of God within Him.  It caused Him to feel what God feels about the suffering of mankind.  It stirred Him so much that whenever He encountered a need, He met it with the power of God.

Follow His example.  Spend time in fellowship with your Father.  Meditate on His compassion until it rises up strong on the inside of you.  Stir it up until the desire to see others set free becomes paramount in your thinking.

“Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus.  As I delve deeper into my relationship with You, I pray that You help me show compassion to those in my life and to those whom You would want to be blessed through an encounter with me.  Stir my heart Lord, may I reflect Your heart for Your bride and may You be glorified in all things.  Amen.”

If we do not do it, who will?

Jesus has sent us to reach out and touch a love-starved world with His compassion, His Richest Love and His Blessings.

André and Nicole Binneman

(P.S. – If you need any prayer or counselling in light of your current difficulties and circumstances, please reach out to us at https://lifestylez.co.za/contact-us/.)