Showing Compassion

While Saul was in Antioch teaching, “there came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And…one…named Agabus…signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout the world…Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea” (Acts 11:27-29). The world is frequently subject to events that create great loss of life, property, and material provision. In this case, it was great famine. But we have all seen the same ravages from earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wars, etc. These are above and beyond the daily cries of the poor in our communities that we see almost everywhere we go. In fact, Jesus himself observed, “the poor always ye have with you” (John 12:8).

The need around us is never satisfied. How should a Christian respond to the tireless clamor of pressing need for help? Every believer is to be governed by his own conscience before the Lord in his response to such pleas. But there are instructions from Scripture that can offer guidance for how we might deploy our own time, energy, and resources in such matters.

To begin, we must cultivate compassion for those in need. This means that we must observe, recognize, and move to meet their needs. When Christ was teaching in the wilderness, he said unto his disciples “I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way” (Matthew 15:32). In response, Christ fed the multitude (over 4,000 people) with “seven loaves and a few little fishes.” Unlike the Lord, we often become cold and indifferent to the suffering of those around us. The fact that we cannot answer every cry for help must not justify growing deaf to these needs altogether. We must learn to show compassion when and where we can.

Two thoughts of compassion that go hand-in-hand are ability and opportunity. We note the disciples responded, “every man according to his ability”. Some may have greater resources, time, or skills in response to a need than others. One might give money to buy shingles for a roof destroyed in a storm. Another may install the shingles while yet another may provide food and housing while the work is being done. God would have us use what he has given unto us, not what he has given unto others.

The opportunity to show compassion is different for each of us. Paul wrote to the Galatians, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:2). When my neighbor is sick and bed-ridden, it is my “opportunity” to minister to that need, not someone who lives on the other side of town. But, on the other hand, we must not let the matter of convenience govern our compassion. Showing mercy to others in their need is seldom convenient. It is best to remember what Christ taught. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

Randy Livingston serves as a chaplain for a local police department. He writes devotionals for his ministry which also appear at his blog, From the Chaplain. We republish this post by permission.