Compassion for those in Need

Evangelism should be the lifestyle of every disciple of Jesus.

Compassion toward all human beings is part of our calling and enables us to see the lost through the eyes of Jesus to lead them to Him.

Evangelism is preaching the Gospel and taking care of new believers to lead them into maturity.

We can better understand Evangelism and Compassion and how it relates to the Church and our lives by exploring the following;

The word “compassion” means to have sympathy, concern, empathy, kindness, or mercy. It is a deep awareness of the suffering of someone coupled with the wish to relieve it; it is sorrow or pity for the need of another person with a desire to help.

This emotional feeling comes to us when we see actions or hear news or understand truth.

We will have compassion when we understand the desperate need of a person or a community along with their helplessness to find a solution.

Compassion comes to us as we learn that people are under the control of someone or something that is keeping them from being free. 

We live in a world of revenge, anger, and hatred. The existence of this world depends on the group of people who has the habit of showing compassion. Anybody can get into trouble unexpectedly. If timely help does not reach a helpless and needy person, it can result in worse situations. People who have shown compassion to others also need help and compassion when they themselves get into helpless situations.

The heart of the Bible’s message is God’s compassion for all human beings. When sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, everyone became a slave to the devil. The wages of sin are death. The whole of humanity had lost its relationship with God, resulting in eternal death for all mankind. Satan ruled over all human beings as a taskmaster. But God saw the helplessness of man and had compassion for him. He loved man and planned a way of salvation for all of humanity.

God sent His only son Jesus to show His compassion to the lost world; Jesus was the embodiment of God’s compassion for His people. The declaration of Jesus in Luke 4:18-19, which some people call the “Nazareth Manifesto,” reveals that He saw the desperate need of those people whom He wanted to serve and save. They were poor, brokenhearted, captive, blind, and crushed.

It is also good to remember that Satan wanted to show Jesus a different world. It was a glorious and glittering world. The healthy, wealthy, and powerful people lived there. They were self-sufficient (Matthew 4:8). It is up to us to decide what we want to look at; we need to choose to see the world through the eyes of Jesus. Then we will have compassionate hearts just like Christ (Mark 6:34)

Jesus’ example challenges us to forsake our own desires and to act compassionately towards others, particularly those in need or distress. Jesus moved with compassion towards those in need (Matthew 9:36; Matthew 14:14; Matthew 15:32; Matthew 20:34; Mark 6:34; Mark 8:2; Luke 15:20). Those who walk with the Lord should have compassion on those who are in physical, spiritual, and emotional need (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-13; Philippians 2:1-2; 1 Peter 3:8).

In our compassion, we fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). Matthew 14:14 says, “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” He sees sick people and has compassion. Again, in Matthew 15:32, “Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.’” God’s compassion should motivate and shape our response to the world around us.

The compassionate heart of Jesus led Him to do what He did; the miracles of Jesus came out of His compassion. Compassion is not just a feeling—it requires action. Compassion, will lead us to actions that will bring relief, healing, strength, and deliverance to those who are in need. Real compassion is not a theory, kept in mind or written on papers. We see and feel the practical side of it in the marketplace, on the roadside, or whenever anyone is in need. If compassion does not move us to action, it is not complete (Mark 1:41; Matthew 20:34; Matthew 14:14; Mark 8:2; Luke 7:13).

When was the last time I truly grieved over a lost soul? Am I moved by compassion to the point of sacrificial involvement in bringing others to Christ?

Jesus not only ministered to the needs of people as He was moved with compassion. He also taught His followers to practice it. What is the implication of the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)? We are asked to “go and do” like this Samaritan.

The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 reveals the compassionate heart of the father. When we see the desperate need of those who run from God, our actions should reveal the father’s heart of God to those who are around us.

Jesus also taught that there is a reward for those who show compassion to the needy. Let us take time to read Matthew 25:31-45. This chapter is one of the strongest teachings of Jesus. A careful study of these verses will always motivate us to be people of compassion. Moreover, it will open our eyes, and we will receive a higher revelation of Jesus walking around us as a needy person.  

Do we see any pictures of Jesus as a hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, captive person today? Where will we see Him like this? We need to look at the newspapers, watch the television, and see with our own eyes out there in the villages and cities; as a result of wars, famine, terrorism, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, the numbers of the suffering people are increasing daily—we should show the same love and care for these suffering people as if they were Christ.

Mother Teresa was a famous Catholic missionary from Yugoslavia. She was moved with compassion as she saw the numerous orphans and disabled children in the street of Calcutta, India. As she read Matthew 25, she saw Jesus in these children. From that moment, her entire life was dedicated to serving these thousands of people. She said that Matthew 25 had changed her whole life. No wonder the world honored her by awarding her the Nobel Peace Prize.

Jesus also gave a strong warning to those who do not show compassion.

He taught that there is a severe punishment for those who do not show compassion to those who are in need (Matthew 25:31-46). This portion of the Bible tells us that helping the needy is not an option or a choice—it is a command. The offenders will be punished with everlasting punishment. Listen to the argument of the people who God condemns: “We have not seen you as hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, and sick or in prison” (Matthew 25:44). It seems they had an ‘eye’ problem. They were blind; they did not see the needy Jesus. Or perhaps their eyes were fixed on the glorious splendor of this world. If Satan tried to show it to Jesus and tried to persuade Him to possess it, would he not persuade us to fix our eyes on the wealth and riches of this world?

Henry Martin, a committed missionary, was once preaching among beggars. During his message, he said “Jesus loves you.” Those listening to him were touched by these words, and many beggars received his message with tears of joy because they could finally hear that there was somebody who loved them, took care of them, and had compassion for them. They grew up in a situation of hatred and abuse, without love or care. But when they heard these words “God loves you,” tears rolled down their cheeks. We possess a message of comfort and compassion for this hurting world. While it is important to minister to the physical or societal needs of people, it is critical to show compassion for those under the yoke of Satan who are spiritually dead.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!