Compassion | Sympathy | Empathy - Vol. 63

Hello Pilgrims and welcome back to the podcast. Compassion is one of the most effective tools in all of Evangelism. When Christians are willing to share in the burdens of others, in tangible and palpable ways, the world is invited to look at their good works and give glory to God. Jesus demonstrated compassion throughout his life and ministry. One of the clearest examples of this is when the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman to him who had been caught in adultery. Desiring to test Jesus, they reminded him that the Law of Moses required her to be stoned. But Jesus, looking upon this woman in her helpless state bent down beside her, wrote with his finger in the ground, and then stood with his public verdict. He looked at the crowd that was gathered—filled with people who were eagerly waiting on his judgment—and said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her”. Hearing these words, the crowd that was gathered, dispersed and Jesus was left alone with the woman who stood, ashamed, before him. Turning to her, he said, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” Surprised and humbled by what had just occurred, the woman answered Jesus’s question. “No one, Lord”, she said. Then Jesus replied, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” Biblical truth without compassion is one of the most ugly things in the world. However, compassion without biblical truth is equally destructive. In order to love someone, and extend true compassion towards them, Christians must be willing to tangibly carry their burdens and sorrow with them, while also showing them the destruction of their sin and the immediate and eternal consequences associated with them. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.