Compassion, What is it? We hear this word tossed about within Christian circles everywhere, but what exactly is compassion? Referring to Websters Dictionary we find the following meaning:   Pronunciation: k&m-'pa-sh&n Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin compassion-, compassio, from compati to sympathize, from Latin com- + pati to bear, suffer., to have a sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.

The definition alone packs a wallop of a punch, to sympathize which means to 1 : to be in keeping, accord, or harmony 2 : to react or respond in sympathy 3 : to share in suffering or grief .Let us look to the scriptures to how God our Father shows us great compassion.

Psalm 111:4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.

Psalm 145:8 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

Lamentations 3:32 But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies

Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted,  and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd Matthew 14:14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. Matthew 20:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. Luke 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

What we can learn from Gods compassion can help us to become more compassionate with others. One of the greatest marks of Godliness is to share the compassionate heart of Jesus. If we desire to be like Him we must have the same heart toward others that He has shown for us.

Remember He laid His life down for us because of His love and compassion for us Mark 1:41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."

Forgiveness is one of the greatest form’s of compassion we can show one another.

Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you

Showing compassion is as well as the showing of forgiveness. Christ is very clear on this very subject

Matthew 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

We may feel some are undeserving of our compassion because they refuse the Word and continue in sin. But we must once again and look at what God has done for us. We too were undeserving yet we were shown His love, compassion and forgiveness at the cross

Psalm 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy

What a wonderful gift we have when divine love pours forth on the undeserving. We too my friends MUST show this same compassion. When we are approached by someone struggling and we tell them "just get rid of the sin" or "you have brought this on yourself" without giving them Biblical counsel what is the gain? Sure we may be able to handle a mature Christian this way, but what about those who aren’t at the same level we are? James 2:16 speaks of telling one to be warmed yet not giving them the resources to be warmed and warns against this.

James 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Is this not the same as telling one to "stop" their sin but not giving them the direction to do so? Even if we have had it with an individual we still must show them enough compassion to teach and guide and direct them. Now we all know at some point we cannot minister to some, in all honesty truth is truth some people have an un-teachable spirit about them when this happens we are instructed to shake the dust from our feet and move on. Matthew 10:14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.

Like a wonderful spring God’s compassion flows toward us unconditionally and undeservingly. Beloved we too are to do the same.

In order to have the compassionate heart of Christ we must always strive to be like Him. Our actions can minister so much compassion to others and sometimes the fewer the words the better.

When speaking to the church at Ephesus the angel wrote:

Revelations 2 :2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars

The facts of this church are stated: Jesus knows their good points Jesus begins with a simple declaration: I know your works; nothing is hidden before Jesus - is that comforting or distressing? Their works (describes as both their labor and patience) are exemplary - this was a church doing the right things Often godly patience (endurance) is a work unto itself; it is sometimes a great accomplishment to just hang in there

The Ephesian church also did pursue orthodoxy and purity; they took the warning of Paul well.

Acts 20:29-31: 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

The church today, like the Ephesian church then, must vigorously test those who claim to be emissaries from God - especially those who say they are apostles, because deceivers will speak well of themselves; the greater the evil, the more deceptive its cloak

Also, the Ephesian church persisted in doing these things, without becoming weary - they showed a godly perseverance that is worthy of our imitation.

Revelations 2:4-5 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

The verdict: Jesus is not pleased Despite all their good, they have left (not lost) their first love; this can be described as "a definite and sad departure" (Robertson) The distinction between leaving and losing love is important; something can be lost quite by accident, but leaving is a deliberate act, though it may happen suddenly. As well, when we lose something we don't know where to find it, but when we leave something, we do know where to find it

Without love, all is vain: "A church has no reason for being a church when she has no love within her heart, or when that love grows cold. Lose love, lose all." (Spurgeon) What love did they leave? Jesus probably has in mind both their love for Jesus and their love for one another. Their preoccupation with working for Jesus has eclipsed a love relationship with Him - they have lost Jesus in the temple. . Their determined orthodoxy has made them cold, suspicious, and intolerant of diversity. The two loves go together; you can't say you love God and not love His family; and you can't love His family without loving Him first .

What Jesus wants them and us to do:

Come back to where you were . Remember where you were before, from where you have fallen; (like the prodigal son did); the first step is realizing where you used to be - how you first fell in love with Jesus. Repent: not a command to feel sorry for one's state, but to change one's state - to turn around, to change one's direction. This is an "urgent appeal for instant change of attitude and conduct, before it is too late." (Robertson)

Beloved reader won’t you take this into consideration? Ask yourself if while busy "working" for God, have you lost your first love? Won’t you ask Jesus to bring back that compassionate love you once had for others? Let us all take a look into our hearts and see what approach we are using. Let’s make sure our hearts are focused on our brethren and ministering to them in love and compassion rather than condemnation and harshness.

*Notes From:
David Guzik
Robertson
Spurgeon
Henry

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