Living Out Love: Understanding the Role of Compassion in Christian Living
Living Out Love: Understanding the Role of Compassion in Christian Living
As charismatic evangelical Christians, we are called to live out love in our daily lives. We are called to embrace compassion as a central aspect of our Christian walk, just as our dear brothers and sisters in the faith, like Bill Johnson, John Arnott, Matt McMillian, and Joseph Prince, have so powerfully demonstrated. In this article, we will delve into the depths of understanding the role of compassion in our Christian living, as we seek to mirror the heart of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ.
Compassion is more than just a feeling of sympathy or pity; it is a supernatural force that flows from the very heart of God. It is the fuel that ignites our faith and propels us to action. When we encounter the brokenness and pain that permeate our world, compassion is the response that flows from a heart that has been transformed by the love of Jesus.
As charismatic Christians, we understand that compassion is not just an option for us; it is a mandate from our Heavenly Father. We are called to be imitators of Christ, who, in His earthly ministry, was moved with compassion for the multitudes. In Matthew 9:36, it is written, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus saw beyond outward appearances and recognized the deep needs of people’s hearts. He responded with love and compassion, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and setting the captives free.
To truly live out love, we must first receive the love of God into our own hearts. His love is the source that empowers us to love and show compassion to others. As we experience His unconditional love, it transforms us from the inside out, enabling us to love those around us, regardless of their circumstances or shortcomings.
Compassion is not limited to a select few; it is to be woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. It is not confined to grand gestures or momentous occasions; rather, it is expressed through the smallest acts of kindness, a listening ear, or a simple word of encouragement. It is the willingness to step out of our comfort zones and reach out to those in need, both within and outside the walls of the church.
In our pursuit of compassion, we must remember that it is not our own strength or ability that enables us to love others deeply. It is the power of the Holy Spirit working within us that empowers us to love with the same love that Jesus demonstrated. When we yield to the Spirit’s leading, He equips us with supernatural compassion, enabling us to see beyond the surface and into the depths of people’s pain and struggles.
One of the key aspects of compassion is the willingness to embrace the brokenness of others. We are to be a healing balm to a hurting world, offering hope, restoration, and comfort. Compassion compels us to step into the messiness of people’s lives, to extend a helping hand to those who are struggling, and to walk alongside them on their journey toward wholeness.
Furthermore, compassion is not confined by cultural, racial, or socioeconomic boundaries. It breaks down walls and bridges divides. It sees every person as a beloved child of God, deserving of love and acceptance. Compassion compels us to reach out to the marginalized, the outcasts, and the forgotten, extending the love and grace of Jesus to all.
In conclusion, as charismatic evangelical Christians, we are called to live out love through the power of compassion. It is not a mere emotion or fleeting sentiment; it is a supernatural force that flows from the heart of God. When we allow the love of Jesus to transform us, compassion becomes a natural outpouring of our faith. Let us embrace this divine mandate, imitating our Savior, and becoming agents of love and compassion in a world that so desperately needs it. May the love of God compel us to live out love in every area of our lives, shining His light in the darkest places and bringing hope to the brokenhearted.