by Thomas Rivera

Jesus left us many examples when it comes to the heart of God for the broken and the lost. One of the most important things we find in Scripture is that compassion should be at the core of all believers. So what is compassion? It’s not just feeling bad for someone in pain. It’s a deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken with misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to relieve the suffering.

“When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.“ (Matthew 9:36 KJV).

Notice that as Jesus was moved with compassion, he was able to see the needs of the people. They were “fainted” (weak and feeble) and scattered. He was compassionate enough to empathize, but the story doesn’t end there.

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelt the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:16-18 KJV)

Compassion moves us to do more than just speak. Compassion leads to action that makes a difference in our communities, our neighborhoods, our families and our walk with Jesus. When we see a others needing help, do we act with compassion and serve them or do we look the other way and avoid getting involved? If we are walking with Jesus in compassion, we will be moved to meet the needs of the broken and lost.

Now notice what Jesus says right after Scripture records him as being moved with compassion: “Then saith he unto his disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.’” (Matthew 9:36-38 KJV) The broken are waiting for what we have to offer. Will we be compassionate enough to hear them and reach them?

Thomas Rivera is a church planting resident at Family Church