Character of Compassion

If we are going to do what Jesus did, we have to know what Jesus did.

You and I cannot be salt and light without being people of compassion.

Habitualization: To normalize what once traumatized

Luke 7:11 ESV

Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him.

Luke 7:11-17 ESV

Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.

Character of Compassion

I. Compassion Interrupts

God often moves through divine disruption.

Practicing presence opens the door for moments of compassion.

Character of Compassion

I. Compassion Interrupts 

II. Compassion Moves

Luke 7:13-14 ESV

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”

Compassion compels me to move towards a person, not away from them.

Character of Compassion

I. Compassion Interrupts

II. Compassion Moves

III. Compassion Costs

When we can catch a glimpse of God’s goodness in our lives, it compels us to a heart of compassion in response.