The Power of Compassion

Matthew 9:36 “Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.”

Pastor Kyle continued his sermon series based upon the book of Genesis by stating that tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone, so godly embrace today and make the most of your time in a holy manner. Deal with life in a positive manner, “play with the cards that you are dealt”, and be a person of compassion. Remember that when things are at their worst possible moment, God is still in control.  

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Pastor Kyle gave us five ways how to unlock the power of compassion in our life. (1) Start with care. In Genesis 40:6 “When Joseph came to them in the morning and observed them, behold, they were dejected.” Get to know people and know how they are doing. Notice when they are hurting and be able to stop whatever you are doing to meet their needs and pain. Care is never a compromise. So, have a mindset of compassion for others, because Jesus modeled and exemplified a life of compassion and care. (2) Understand it may require risk. In dealing with interpersonal relationships, compassion may not be the easy way, but is the “right” thing to do. Do not feel too busy to help others. (3) Ask questions. Ask open-ended questions and discovery questions that allow others to open up and completely explain their feelings. Listen and allow people to complete their insights of the situation at hand for them. “Active listening” allows others to verbalize the issues, to open to God, and sometimes, came up with answers themselves. (4) Tell the truth. It is not compassion to sugarcoat problem. We should never tell others things to make them feel better falsely. (5) Know that compassion has a “dark side”. Know that you might feel forgotten in the care process. Compassion is a sacrificial attribute. Remember that God orders our steps, as well as our stops. Caring may not pay off for us beyond the act of caring for others.

Psalm 103:8 “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.”

Pastor Kyle left us with the four instructions of the “Compassion Challenge”. (1) Show some compassion to yourself. Have kindness towards yourself and give yourself encouragement. (2) Show some compassion to someone you are not getting along with. Put aside yourself; just be present and listen. (3) Show most compassion to someone you love. Compassion is not only about healing hurts, but also about developing and improving relationship. Be fully present. (4) Show some compassion to family. God gave us our family members and they impacted our lives. They deserve our love and care. Jesus Christ modeled how we are to live by the Spirit and the strength of God. Use the power of compassion.

In Christ, Brian