The Psalmist asked what shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits (Ps.116:12-14). So should we take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord for all His support.
Today, we shall be addressing an all-important quality that the kingdom of darkness is systematically eroding from society and the church is becoming a victim. News of evil being done to people that rendered assistance to the fake ‘needy’ is hardening others towards helping the needy. The craze for posting gory events on the web is making people lose sense of humanity at times of accidents or misfortunes when victims need urgent help. These are making people callous and many Christians are getting desensitized and unreactive to the trauma of neighbours.
Theme: COMPASSION, A CARDINAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN Text: Matt.9:36
A concern is a matter of interest or importance to someone. Compassion which is fleeting today ruled the miraculous ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt.14:!6; 15:32; Lk.7:13-15; 10:33; cp. Acts 10:38) and is inherent in the Father (Ps.86:15; Lam.3:22-23). The Greek word splagchnizomai (pronounced splangkh-nid-zom- ahee) translated compassion literally means ‘To be moved as to one’s inwards’. It means to have the bowels yearn. It is not just a passive feeling of sympathy but rather elicits an action to render assistance.
Compassion guided the decision and actions of many saints of old including Ruth (Ruth 1:18-19), Boaz (Ruth 2:8-11), Moses (Exo.2:11-12), Joseph (Gen.45:1), Paul (implied Rom.9:1-4; Gal.4:19-20).
It is a quality that positively affects relationships and makes possessors lovable in marriage, in parents’–children relationships, in attitude to the elderly, attitude to the feeble: in the hospital, in the church, and everywhere.
It is a quality that draws down the power of God in favour of the needy when one is serving as God’s agent of deliverance (LK.7:13-14) or as an intercessor pleading on behalf of the needy (Mk.9:22) or a decider of another’s fate (Lk.15:20).
It was recommended in the Scriptures (Eph.4:32; 1Pet.3:8) and when manifested, reduces negative feelings, and creates joy and fulfilment.
How can one develop compassion?
It takes prayerful consideration
1. First, soften self-criticism and judgment
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2. Mentally put self in the victim’s position (empathy) 3. Consciously show concern for the plight of the victim 4. Act to ameliorate the condition
Compassion is an indispensable quality in the miracle working ministry. So at this time of God’s power, we must put on compassion to pray for the needy and to communicate in kind and ameliorate people’s conditions, putting joy in their hearts.
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