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What Is Needed In Religion? True Compassion Matthew 9.36-39 Introduction:
We want to talk this morning about compassion. It is mentioned in many Bible
passages either directly or indirectly. Colossians
3.12-17 gives some characteristics of Christians and it uses the term
“tender mercies.” I don’t think anyone would argue against compassion but
some may misunderstand what it is and how we show it. I)
Learning from God and Jesus A)
God of compassion 1.
Exodus 34.6-7 God showed patience and mercy to 2.
Psalm 89.15 3.
God sent His Son to die for us, not to make us feel better about ourselves but
to save us. Afterward we should feel better about ourselves but that is a
product of salvation, Acts 8.39 B)
Jesus showed compassion 1.
To those that lost loved ones, Luke
7.11-16. Don’t ever think that Jesus (God) does not care when our loved
ones die.
a. Jesus died so our loved ones can go to heaven!
b. Our loved ones want us to go to heaven when we die. 2.
Matthew 9.36-39 the people had no one
to show them the way to the Father; He was preparing His people to go out and
preach the Gospel.
a. Compassion is needed to move us to action. C)
Other compassion passages 1.
Is a requirement, Micah 6.8 2.
For one another, 1 Peter 3.8, Ephesians
4.32 II)
Defining True Compassion Vs. False Compassion A)
Dictionary definition – sharing the sufferings of another, mercy (Acts 28.2). 1.
It is caring about others, showing concern for others, helping others, etc. 2.
You notice a key is “others” in that compassion is unselfishness, and
helpfulness to others. B)
True vs. False compassion
1.
Child is born with multiple birth defects. He has no eyes, no hip sockets so he
can not walk, can not straighten out his arms, spinal column is S shaped. He
will have to have multiple operations in the first few years of his life. What
would be compassion in this case?
a. Pamper the child and do everything for him?
b. Have an abortion?
c. How about teach that child to do whatever he can for himself?
d. His mother and father said, “He may not be able to do everything
every other child can do but he will be able to do whatever he can.”
e. Now a member of the 2.
Child is born without any health problems. But he is told he can do whatever he
wants. He is introduced to alcohol. He wants to drink beer every day. What would
be compassion in this case?
a. Pamper the child and give him alcohol every day?
b. Deny the child that which he wants?
c. Allow others to give him alcohol?
d. He died before his 21st birthday due to alcohol. C)
False compassion 1.
People do not understand the situation – don’t let a wheelchair person out
of the nursing home just because they want out. They may be unable to take care
of themselves. 2.
Merely words and nothing more – uncaring, unloving D)
True compassion 1.
Seeks to help the other person – not necessarily make them feel better about
themselves.
a. It is not compassion to give drugs to a drug addict
b. It is not compassion to give your children everything they want 2.
Requires the right action – we are to do something III)
We Are To Have And Show Compassion A)
Toward the lost, Romans 10.1 1.
The lost have need of compassion because they are lost. Our duty is to point out
their condition and teach them how to be saved.
a. A lost person does not need to be told they are saved
b. A lost person does not need to be entertained and recreated.
c. A lost person needs salvation! 2.
Do we show compassion to the lost? B)
To those that are hurting spiritually and emotionally 1.
Those that are having trials and tribulations, Hebrews
12.12-14; Hebrews 10.24 2.
Pray for those that having problems 3.
Visit and spend time with them C)
Those that have gone back into the world 1.
Compassion says they need to be restored, come back to God
a. Made to realize they have sinned and need to repent
b. Not entertained or recreated or socialized
c. They need to be aware of our love and concern for them, 2
Thess.
3.14,15 2.
They need to be rebuked, 1 Thess. 5.14 D)
To those that are in need, James 2.14-16; 1 John 3.17 1.
Compassion is part of the “Golden Rule” Matthew
7.12. 2.
The Golden Rule is not “Don’t hurt others but do unto others.” 3.
Jewish Faith: What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man, that is the
entire law; all the rest is commentary. Conclusion:
Jesus showed compassion by dying for each of us.
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