“This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor…” Zechariah 7:9-10 NLT
An oxymoron in our day is the presence of religious people with untoward characters often demonstrated in their relations with the less privileged. We must be careful to not fall into the same category as our faith must be expressly seen in our actions and attitudes. Today, we will consider some reasons why we must be intentional in showing compassion to those around us, especially the less privileged.
First, we must see the example of Jesus. Through the gospel accounts, we see records of Jesus healing the sick, raising the dead, and multiplying provisions amongst other miracles done because He was moved with compassion for the helpless (Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 15:32, 20:34).
Like Jesus, God’s love should move you to help the needy and find ways in which help can be rendered to them either using charismatic gifts or physical resources. Being a faith-filled person means that you cannot turn a blind eye to the needs of those around you (James 2:15-16).
Showing compassion is also a good avenue to prepare the hearts of both the recipients or witnesses of your good works to receive the gospel. Upholding a reputation for good deeds amongst men helps you gain goodwill with them as opposed to having a reputation for being unkind. The latter shuts the door to you and possibly other believers when you try to share God’s word with such people.
Knowing that God is very much interested in us having a passion for the helpless, we must continually think of ways to do this and people to do this for. A good example is seen in the scriptures when it comes to helping widows (1 Timothy 5:3-10).
Finally, we must also think further than material resources. Have you seen someone who has been incapacitated due to a health challenge? Make use of the power of God over such ailments. We see a good example from Peter and John in Acts 3:2-7 in healing a man who was lame from birth by bringing a lasting solution to the man’s helplessness which is much more than what money can give.
Remember, God’s love put on display in reaching out to men can find many expressions, one of which is bringing help to those in need. Today, take some time to pray for your heart to continually be disposed to help those in need around you so you can show the compassion of Christ to them.
Bible Reading Plan: Proverbs 19-21