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Compassion: Part 1
Allen Webster
Topic(s): Christian Life, Love
Links to this entire series:
I have wept in the night, from the shortness of sight
That to the needs of others made me blind—
But I never have yet had a cause to regret
For being a little too kind.1
According to Webster, compassion “is a sympathetic consciousness of other’s distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” According to God, compassion is what makes a difference: “And of some have compassion, making a difference” (Jude 22).
Simple acts of compassion make a difference in every area of life. When a small child hurts his knee, a kiss or a Band-Aid makes everything all right. When a friend has problems, a listening ear makes all the difference in the world. When some-one is sick, a card or a call helps him or her feel just a little better.
Confucius2 believed that compassion is one of three universally recognized virtues. He said, “Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.” It is certainly one that God continuously looks for.
God has always shown compassion to His children (Psalm 86:15; 117:2; Isaiah 49:15; Ephesians 2:7; Titus 3:4), and He expects His children to pass along compassion to others. Peter wrote, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous” (1 Peter 3:8). John added, “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1 John 3:17).
Kindness is part of the wardrobe of a Christian’s soul. Just as most of us would not think of going into public without four (to answer the door) to ten (Sunday suit) garments on, so one whose soul is without mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; forbearance, and forgiveness is inadequately clothed (Colossians 3:12; 2 Peter 1:5–7; 2 Corinthians 6:6).
COMPASSION IN CHURCH WORK
Pastors (elders) need to lead with compassion.
Elders face problems of all shapes, sizes, and colors. A few years of putting out fires can leave them burned out. They can come to rule with an iron fist rather than a velvet touch—more of the shepherd’s rod than his crook. Early Roman philosopher Publilius Syrus said, “You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.” Peter explained that elders take the oversight, “not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2–3).
A couple facing an imminent divorce will be more open to counsel from elders whose eyes fill with tears and whose voices shake with tender emotion. A wayward member will be more likely to humbly return when elders gently plead and softly admonish. A congregation that sees the compassion of an eldership as they have to exercise church discipline will stand behind their leaders’ decision. The bishops’ heartfelt love for lost souls will be recognized by a congregation looking for a cause to support.
The Bible often pictures elders as shepherds, a figure that emphasizes care,
concern, and compassion (1 Peter 5:1–4). When a sheep is missing, a shepherd
lovingly pursues it and compassionately brings it back (Luke 15:4–7). The
shepherd-elder restores “such an one in the spirit of meekness,” considering
himself “lest [he] also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). The word restore is a
medical term that has reference to setting a broken bone. An elder seeking to
restore an erring child of God goes with trepidation, knowing that the stakes
are high. He goes with compassion, just as a doctor would set a broken arm. Such
elders are worth cherishing and complimenting: “Let the elders that rule well be
counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and
doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17).
Personal workers need to teach with compassion.
Few attributes a teacher can possess are more useful than compassion. Most non-Christians feel awkward about studying the Bible in the first place. It is new to them; they feel self-conscious because they don’t know how to find the different books of the Bible; they may be embarrassed about a lifestyle that differs from the Christian way; they are afraid they’ll be asked a question they can’t answer or pressured to make a decision they are not ready to make.
Every soul is marked “fragile.” Paul treated souls as nurses handle infants (1 Thessalonians 2:7). He was sincere (2 Corinthians 2:17). He instructed the younger preacher, “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves” (2 Timothy 2:24–25). We should try to have good favor among all people (Acts 2:47) and show courtesy to people who come to hear the gospel (Acts 20:20, 26).
A compassionate, understanding teacher makes Bible study so enjoyable and so much more beneficial. Even a wrong answer can be complimented to a point. “Craig, you are on the right track, but have you considered . . .?” “Karla, I used to think that myself until I came across this verse over in Acts . . .” Peter wrote, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). Our defense of the faith must be in meekness and fear. These words suggest compassion. It is easier to have compassion when we consider the value of the soul that we are teaching (Matthew 16:26), our former lives (1 Timothy 1:13), and the love that our Savior has for that soul (Hebrews 2:9).
Even argumentative students can be dealt with compassionately. We must keep the big picture in mind. They are really fighting against themselves, and not against us. Paul wrote,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will (2 Timothy 2:25–26).
Footnotes:
1http://en.proverbia.net/citastema.asp?tematica=685.
2551–479 B.C., http://en.proverbia.net/citasautor.asp?autor=11645&page=3.