The Compassion of Christ

COMPASSION in the life of a CHRISTIAN

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

The Bible teaches us that God is Compassion. Christ is presented as a High Priest of compassion. Christians are to follow the example of both the Father and the Son. True Christians are compassionate.

A. COMPASSION for the SICK

1. Matthew 14:14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

2. This shows the attitude of our Lord regarding compassion. We cannot perform miracles as Jesus did, yet go much can be done for sick.

3. James 5:14-15 - Pray for them and call their names, make sure it is a personal thing.

4. Show sincere interest in them to boost their morale and lift their spirits.

5. Phone, send cards with personal notes or even a personal letter

6. Show them we care. This will mean go very much to everyone, and it is the least we can do.

B. COMPASSION for the LOST.

1. Mark 6:34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

2. John 3:16 - It is so difficult for us to understand the love of God.

3. When we see people groping in sin, can we callously sit idly by and do nothing?

4. Romans 1:14 What if no one had taken the time to teach us of Jesus?

5. When we see a fallen brother or sister in Christ can we possibly please God unless we make an effort to get them to return to Jesus.

6. Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20

C.COMPASSION for the NEEDY

1. 1 John 3:17; James 2:14-17

2. We cannot sit idly and wait for the church or some one else to do a needed work.

3. Many in the Bible practice what I have been reading.

4. Like Cornelius (Acts 10:2), and Dorcas (9:36).

5. There are times when those who claim “faith only” salvation will work the hardest to serve others. Even though they do so in ways that are against God, perhaps their example can help us in some way.

5. Acts 20:35 - It is so sad that some brethren never seem to find a deserving situation and know the joy of sharing.

D. COMPASSION for the BEREAVED.

1. John 11:33-35 - Christ was moved at the grief of friends.

2. He felt with them and for them. Some do not wish to be made sad by being close to death.

3. They are refusing to do the very things that Jesus commands.

4. It is a time to think of others, not self.

5. Romans 12:15 - The need of friends and brethren is so important at times like these.

E. COMPASSION for EACH OTHER

1. 1 Peter 3:8 - song “Give me the Roses While I Live”

2. Children, your parents need you as a compassionate and loving Son and Daughter now. A phone call, card, flowers, gesture of love.

3. Parents, stop and count your blessings. Never too late to hug your child and let them know how much you love them. This can help them know that you care, even when you have to discipline them.

4. Husbands and wives, are you showing compassion for each other? If compassion was shown as God commands, how many marriages would end up in divorce?

5. We often expect too much of one another and fail to treat each other as we would like to be treated.

6. Let us allow room for human weakness and show ourselves to be a compassionate person.

7. Build a bridge of compassion and understanding today, not walls of prejudice.

8. Matthew 25:31-40 - We shall stand before Him. What will we say?

OBSERVATION:

l People who are personally involved in helping the poor, visiting the sick, or doing personal work, seldom ever "Quit the Church,” or gossip, murmur and complain.

l How faithful are those to visit or help who complain about not being visited?

l How faithful are those who fault others during a death, when others are grieving?

l Friendliness - The coach knows of a perfect player, but the person will not come out of the stands to put it in action.