Compassion at Our Core

This morning I am focusing on Compassion as a character of God, and as a need in the Body of Christ. The Greek word that is translated Compassion is Splagchnizomai:

Definition 1. to be moved as to one's bowels, hence to be moved with compassion, have compassion (for the bowels were thought to be the seat of love and pity)

So in other words, being moved at the very core of ones body, deep down, unavoidable, and even gut-wrenching would be an appropriate term. This is not some light or casual observance, but something that literally causes your guts to move, or be deeply moved.

A few verses with short meditations:

Matthew 9:35-38 NIV
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. [36] When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [37] Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. [38] Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Here Jesus is deeply moved when He saw the crowds of people following Him, desiring to know more about God, to be touched by Him. It caused Him to cry ut for more co-laborers.

Luke 15:17-18, 20 NIV
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! [18] I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. [20] So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

The father's deep love for his son, overcomes any need to punish, or chastise, but rather the father forgives him and welcomes him back with open arms. This a clear representation of how the Father looks at us.

Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Another linking of forgiveness and compassion. We must allow ourselves to love deeply, to embrace one another at a deep level, because that is where true forgiveness comes out of.

Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Finally , we are called to walk in compassion, wearing compassion like clothes, something is always present and part of me that people always encounter. We must learn to pursue these deep connections and learn to trust one another, so that our lives can be filled with a compassion and love. Compassion should lead us and guide us in our walking out our purpose and calling. Compassion should fuel our ministry. We are called to love each other like Jesus loved us.

Jesus, I pray that You would stir up deep compassion in Your church. I pray that like the Father, we can extend open arms of love and compassion to all we meet.