God Given Compassion

Every time something goes wrong in my life or I am badly pressed with a situation, I tend to want God to hurry and come to my rescue. But more times than I can remember, God has always brought people my way who were in a worser situation than I was. Whenever this happens, I always wonder why God would not help me first, then give me the strength and provision to help others. Having been faced with all kinds of situations, God has helped teach me that His way is NOT my way. When this happens, God wants us to have compassion towards other people even though we are going through situations. It is from the basis of our obedience that God will work wonders in our own lives. I have learned over the years the best way to get God to help me, is for me to do His business (ministry) then He ALWAYS takes care of my issues.

Since we profess Christ and claim that Christ lives in us, there comes a time when God will put you and me to test. Just to see how much we love and care about other people's problems and not just ours. There are so many people hurting out there, we need to love and care about them. Which means that even in the midst of our own storms, we need to have a listening ear to others around us. As sure as God is the God of Love, I guarantee you that He will bring people our way that are in need of help.

As we open our hearts to minister to those around us, we soon discover we live in an imperfect world full of sickness, heartache, and frustrations. Many of us (many more than we realize) are facing trials which are sometimes quite severe. When we are finally invited into some one's private world and allowed to hear of their pain, it can be difficult to know what to do or say.

As we grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus, we learn of His truths: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). We understand and usually have some actual experience with God's loving plan and purpose; "in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28). But there are times when this type of advice - even this type of truth - can be a little cold and fail to comfort or draw someone closer to God.

While it's absolutely true that God will use our pain and suffering for His glory, it may not be the first response someone needs to hear when they enter a difficult trial; "There is a time for everything...a time to be silent and a time to speak" (Ecclesiastes 3:1,7). We must learn to be more sensitive to the real need.

When Lazarus became very sick, Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus but He did not arrive until after Lazarus had died. Mary fell at Jesus' feet and cried: "Lord if You had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:32). At that moment, Jesus did NOT begin preaching "Rejoice in the Lord always!" (Philippians 4:4). There would be other opportunities for sermons, other opportunities to speak about faith and trust, but this was a time for compassion.

John 11:33,35
"When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled...Jesus wept."
The Creator of the Universe wept! From the beginning of time, Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead; He knew many lives would soon be changed through this miracle. But "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus" (John 11:5). Though this pain and sorrow was necessary in the context of God's sovereign plan, these were real people who were grieving and Jesus took time to show He truly cared and understood their pain.

The world we live in is in great need of the healing power of Jesus Christ. Sin has caused great separation from God and left many lives in shambles. As we minister through encouragement and the truth of God's Word, we are called to do so while "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). But we must always remember that love does not exist outside of a relationship. And in a loving relationship we will often best demonstrate God's truth by listening and comforting with a Godly compassion. What other better is there to share Christ than to listen and care for those who are really in need and hurting? If you and I profess Christ to be our Lord and Savior, then this is our chance! God is watching and waiting to see what excuse we come up with not to have compassion.
THIS IS OUR GOD!!


Have a blessed day