A person who has compassion has a tender heart toward the needs and sufferings of others and has a desire to help others. The unconverted may outwardly show compassion at times, but inwardly are “lovers of their own selves.”
2Ti 3:2
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Christians are known by real compassion, seen first by the unconverted through the way that they treat other Christians
Joh 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
1Pe 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Only a Christian can have real compassion, as compassion comes from the love of Jesus Christ working through the believer.
Gal 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Compassion makes a difference, and it is what the unconverted must see and feel as you live in this world. Jude 22 The unconverted must also see that Christians have a love for each other.
PERSONAL EVALUATION
How is compassion shown by your life? Say Yes to only those statements that are true for your life now.
- __I sometimes get tears in my eyes as I pray and ask the Lord to save a friend or relative.
- __I am willing to help others who are unconverted by sharing the Gospel with them.
- __I try to notice when others are having problems by watching their expressions and by listening to them talk; I am sensitive to the suffering of others.
- __I try to think of ways to show love toward others by helping them.
- __I am willing to take time to pray specifically for the needs of another person.
- __I am more concerned about the needs of others than I am about my own needs. Phil. 2:4
- __I am willing to spend time listening to another person so that I can help him with God’s Word. James 1:19 Gal. 6:1,2
- __I am willing to offer to pray with another person about something.
- __I know that my main purpose in life is to serve the Lord by helping others. Mt. 28:19,20
- __I try to be especially helpful to my parents when things don’t seem to be going well for them.
- __I am helpful in any way that I can be toward brothers and sisters.
- __I have a list of people for whom I pray for each day.
Set a goal for yourself to begin specific daily habits that will help you to be more compassionate. Pray daily that the Lord will help you to fulfill your goal.
Mat 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
Mat 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Mat 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
