Compassion: Who's responsibility is it?
I recently read a good definition for compassion ministry: " To be witnesses of the gospel by opening our hearts to the suffering of another person coupled with the desire and action to relieve it." So who's job is it to do compassion ministry?
Is it ok to say that compassion ministry is not for me? I mean, after, all I'm not cut out for that sort of thing. It just doesn't come NATURAL. Aren't there special roles in the church for those with the gifts and talent for them? It's obvious that not all people are cut out to be worship leaders (just watch American idol). Not all of us have been given the gift of teaching/preaching. So can compassion ministry be delegated to those with the gift and heart for it?
Keller says in his book, Ministries of Mercy, "Mercy to the full range of human needs is such an essential mark of being a Christian that it can be used as a test of true faith. Mercy is not optional or an addition to being a Christian. Rather, a life poured out in deeds of mercy is the inevitable sign of true faith."
I happen to agree with Timothy Keller. Mercy/compassion is not optional for Christians. It's not a role for SOME in the church, but ALL in the church. We are ALL commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves. It may be difficult to do, and it's ok to say that compassion doesn't come naturally...it comes supernaturally. All Christians are being transformed and sanctified through the power that God provides.
The poor and needy are a test; a test I often fail. If you are like me and fail in this area ( I think we all do), pray earnestly that God would give you the ability to love your neighbor. Only by God's strength can we do what He has called us to do.
2 comments:
I think this is a wonderful post. I couldn't agree with you more. And I also agree with the idea that we don't live out that calling. How can we change that?
In this I think we could add missions. Aren't we all called to be missionaries in some form? Do you think missions and compassion go hand in hand?
I will be sharing how I think we can demonstrate compassion more effectively and fully in coming blogs.
And yes, missions and compassion ministry do go hand in hand. One huge reason for compassion ministry is to be a visual representation of the gospel. (Showing mercy to our neighbors, even those that don't deserve it, just like Christ did for us.)
Thanks for leaving a comment. I was beginning to think no one was reading my blog (all 3 people quit reading it). And I was hoping that this would stir some discussion.
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