The Church of the Nazarene worldwide has used the above catch phrase in regard to Compassionate Ministries for at least as long as I have been involved and probably longer. So if we believe from scripture that God leads us to adopt 'Compassion as a Lifestyle', do we assume that God is talking to some of His people or most of His people? OR... Do we know from the scriptures that God is talking to ALL of His people.
The website for the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries has this to say about Compassion:
"The Church of the Nazarene believes that Jesus commanded His disciples to have a special relationship to the poor of this world. Holiness, far from distancing believers from the desperate economic needs of people in our world, motivates us to place our means in the service of alleviating such need and to adjust our wants in accordance with the needs of others."
- Part III, Covenant of Christian Conduct, Nazarene Manual 33.3
"Compassion arises out of the good news of Christ. It is something that God awakens and works in our daily lifestyle as we respond to the love and grace we have received in our Lord and as we respond to the need of our neighbors. As we live out compassion through our vocations, they become more than just jobs — we respond to God’s gracious calling to live a life that is a witness to God’s love and compassion. Such is the motivation of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries' work around the world that would not be possible without the thousands of pastors, laity, and missionaries who are saying "Yes!" to God’s work in the world. This "Yes!" is essential to being Christlike disciples to the nations.
I do acknowledge that the above quote is taken from the Church of the Nazarene Manual and the additional text is based on Nazarene Doctrine from a Nazarene Website. Acknowledging this fact does not lessen the message that the words try to portray to us. Compassion is defined as: feeling or showing concern for someone who is sick, hurt, poor, etc. Compassionate is having or showing compassion. So with a clear understanding about the words Compassion and Compassionate, let's take a look at what the bible say about 'Compassion as a Lifestyle'.
1 Corinthians 12:25-26 says: that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
This scripture shows us that we are to show Compassion to other Christians.
Luke 10:33 says: "But a certain Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion,
The Good Samaritan shows us to have compassion upon all those whom God places in your path.
Acts 4:34-35 says: There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
This scripture brings the truth out and hits a little to close to home for this world. I have heard it said that the world produces enough food to feed everyone on the planet. Could it also be presumed that there is enough materials and resource that everyone could have their basic human needs met? The early church had the answer... 'There was not a needy person among them' - O Lord, if only that was true today!
And finally, the two scriptures that I use regularly can help build a strong case for 'Compassion as a Lifestyle'
Matthew 5:16: In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Proverbs 19:17: Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,and he will reward them for what they have done.
Let you light shine and be kind to the poor. These two great scripture show us (I believe) our direction from God on how to live 'Compassion as a Lifestyle'
There are a great many more scriptures that pertain to this subject and I would be interested in your opinion about more scriptures that help you to become more compassionate. Just add them below in a comment if you would like.
'Compassion as a Lifestyle' is a huge undertaking and might seem overwhelming. The truth is, there is not a single one of us that can do this alone. It needs to be a movement of the people of God in a community/town/city that will make the difference. God is not calling you to solve the problem alone, He is asking you to just do your part with the talents, gifts and resources He has blessed you with. Is today the day you say YES to Compassion and make a difference in someone's life? I pray it is.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Murray Alan Kumm
Executive Director
Hope Street CMC
