Latest revision as of 21:24, 18 July 2018

The Importance of Compassion in Ministry

This devotion is based on chapter 13 of Woodrow Kroll's book "The Vanishing Ministry"^[1]

You may also find the accompanying handout useful.

Compassion in Ministry Handout

Objectives

• Students will make a determination to pray that they will become compassionate for others.

Compassionate Motivation

• You have likely heard Matthew 9:37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. However, have you ever considered the situation in which Jesus made this proclamation?

• What situation moves Jesus to make this proclamation?
  • Matthew 9:35-36 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

Compassion Displayed

• Read each of the following verses. What common thread do you notice?

• • Matthew 20:34 - So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.
  • Mark 1:41 - Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
  • Mark 6:34 - And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.
  • Mark 8:2 - “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat.
  • Mark 9:22 - And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
  • Luke 7:13 - When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”

Compassion Defined

• When you hear the word "compassion," what does that mean to you?

• The word the we translated as compassion originally denotes the "inward parts" of a sacrifice. In later Jewish writings the word began to take on the idea of the "seat of feeling." The idea is that of having ones heart go out for someone.

Compassion Driven

• What potentially discouraging events occur prior to Paul's arrival in Athens in Acts 17?
  • Acts 17:9-10 So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.
  • Acts 17:13-14 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there.
• Does Paul take break from ministry when he arrives in Athens?
  • No, In fact, from Acts 17:16 we get the idea that Paul would not have been able to relax, he simply cared too much for the people.
    • Acts 17:16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.
• As we think about compassion we must realize that people's biggest need is spiritual regeneration. Compassion for the spiritual well-being of others is the start to compassion for others.

Applying it today

• In Christian circles, how do we fail to show compassion?

• What do you believe underlies failure to show compassion?

Conclusion

• I find it ironic that we have a list of prayer items that includes health, wealth, and well-being but rarely do we ask God to give us things like compassion. Will you join with me in asking God to burden your heart for others?
• Compassion stems from deep within us. Compassion should move us to act. We minister not because it is cool, fun, entertaining, or the only thing we know how to do. We minister because of a deep desire rooted in our inward parts to see souls won for Christ.