Christians Show Compassion
I have the distinct privilege of working with Adventist Community Services (ACS) volunteers. These men and women regularly give unselfishly of themselves, assisting people in need in a variety of situations. They are making a difference in the communities where they live, and are following the example of their Savior, Jesus Christ. Their lives manifest a love for people around them because a heart of compassion is a distinguishing feature of true Christianity. Compassion means to feel deep sorrow for a person who suffers misfortune, and to desire to alleviate that suffering. Whether it is assistance following a disaster, helping a student with their schoolwork, helping a senior citizen, or giving food or clothing, these are some of the ways that ACS volunteers show compassion in their communities.
Every church has opportunities for their members to become involved in service. In this issue, you will find ministry ideas that will help you to envision ways that you can serve the Lord. God desires that His people have compassion for their families, friends, neighbors, and strangers. Through our caring, we can make a real difference in the lives we touch. Compassion has been described as “your pain in my heart.” Compassion is both a divine and human quality. Scripture shows us the tremendous compassion of Jesus that led Him to give His life for us. In turn, He desires that we also show compassion to others.
My wife, Sherry, and I spent a week in the disaster warehouse in Jeffersonville, Ind., near the tornado-devastated towns in Southern Indiana. Several children came in to the warehouse, bringing gifts of notes and money. One Indianapolis toddler, when he heard the news, gave his mom all his money, $2.43, and asked her to give it to the children to help. Twin, 4-year-old girls brought in $25 gift cards that they had received for Christmas, along with decorated notes that read, “Hope you get your house fixed.”
How can one not be touched by the innocence of children, who give all they have to help another child? It is not about the gift, but the heart of the giver.
Jesus says, “Until we become like little children.” Could this be what He was talking about? Do we care about those that God has allowed our lives to touch? Are we willing to give of ourselves, to even be inconvenienced to give assistance to those in need? Do we care enough to show others the compassion that Jesus showed to us in giving us the gift of eternal life?
Joe Watts, Disaster Response National Coordinator
Revive Para Su Obra, Conságrate Para Su Venida
Campestre Familiar Hispano 2012
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