People helping ministry sometimes gets labeled as a compassion ministry.
But, what is compassion?
If we were to do a word study in Scripture, we would find that English translations sometimes use the Hebrew word “racham” and the Greek words “oiktirmos” and “splanchna.” All of these words refer to the inward parts, specifically the bowels or the heart, seen as the seat of emotion. Hence, we read of having a “heart of compassion” or “bowels of mercy” depending on the translation. Different versions interchange compassion, mercy, and pity.
Hence, we might conclude that compassion is a feeling we have toward someone. But, if we look at Jesus to define compassion, we will conclude that compassion is more than a feeling.
Observations about Compassion Using Jesus as our Example:
People did not have to bring their needs to Jesus for Him to have compassion on them, although sometimes that is what happened. In many of the recorded cases of Jesus having compassion, we read that He reacted in response to what He saw.
- Are we seeing the people around us with the same eyes as Jesus?
- Are we proactive based on our observations or do we reserve our compassion for those who come to us with a need?
Varying needs invoked compassion within Jesus, both physical and spiritual. Though Jesus “came to seek and to save the lost” (Lk. 19:10), He genuinely cared about the whole person. He didn’t simply address the physical needs to tap into the spiritual. In the case of the feeding of the multitude (Mk. 15:32), He had already been teaching them for three days. He was, at that point, simply concerned for their physical well being as they traveled home.
- Are we authentic in our concern for others or somewhat manipulative?
- Are we unconditional in our concern for others or do we tend to put stipulations on people?
Some sort of action followed Jesus’ compassion. He saw the need, felt compassion, and then responded.
- Are we more than talk, not just saying we care about people, but backing up our words with what we are able to do?
- Are we moved enough inwardly that we can’t help but outwardly express it?
The response depended on the need. Jesus did not slap a spiritual bandaid on every need. If the people were physically hungry, he fed them. If they were sick, he healed them. In regard to spiritual needs, he pointed to prayer in one case but taught the people in another passage.
- Are we willing to give people what they need in the moment or do they have to first jump through spiritual hoops?
- Are we flexible enough to adapt to needs or so locked in to procedures and programs that we miss what is truly needed?
How Christ-like are you?
For more:
That I may be Christ-minded.
May this be the prayer of every one of us!