…[clothe yourselves with] …compassion …
Summary: God’s Word is amazingly consistent in every way. Compassion has something very much in common with faith; both require deeds to become real.
The first piece of spiritual “clothing” that Paul wants us to put on is compassion.
“Compassion” is a word that describes the feelings of pity and sympathy we have for people who are suffering. The Greek word Paul used takes this concept even further.
In Paul’s day, the word he used referred to a powerful feeling of tenderness coming from deep within. When the Bible uses the word compassion, it is not a momentary feeling. It is a force of nature.
In both stories about Jesus feeding thousands of people, Mark uses the word “compassion” to describe what Jesus was feeling. Jesus is deeply touched by the thousands of people who have come to be near him (Mark 6:30-44, Mark 8:1-13).
In both cases, deep compassion leads to action. The feeding of thousands of people in one sitting is arguably one of his most profound miracles. Imagine the impact of such an event. Thousands upon thousands of people are fed and eat as much as they want with food left over.
The power of God’s love for us is made visible in his compassion. Not just by what he feels for the people but by what he does.
Which brings us back to faith and deeds (James 2: 14-26).
James makes the point that “faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26). His point is a bit terrifying if you believe in hell. He asks, “Can such faith save [us]?” (James 2:14)
If the answer is “No,” as James suggests, then we need to have a living faith, one that is made alive by what we do. Remember, James is not talking about “works of the law” (Romans 3:28). Instead, he is talking about how we live our faith, just like Paul’s word for “compassion” expects that there is an action that flows from the heart.
The Hebrew understanding of the word expects “tender mercy” to flow from the heart. This is more than just pity. Like Jesus feeding the five thousand, compassion involves doing.
Application: Do compassion!
Food for Thought: How does clothing ourselves with compassion like Jesus did change a person’s life?
I struggle with compassion since many expect appeasement or enablement for their bad habits. Compassion is more about partnership and bravery to stand together. Like an AA sponsor who will rebuke bad behavior but always be there to support their partner. It’s not compassionate to lie to people and encourage sinfulness.
TMI –
That is a GREAT point! We cannot submit to God and submit to someone else’s self-interest at the same time.
Thank you for pointing out that compassion is demonstrated in action and not just feelings. And that is why it changes someone’s life. It changes a life physically and emotionally as they know they are cared about and action was taken to make their life better. It changes their life spiritually as it points them to Christ as our motivation for the action.
Matthew 5: 14 – 16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Luke 10: 25 – 37: On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
26“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it? 27He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ c ; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”28“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two denarii e and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
James 2: 15 – 16: Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
Thank you, Rich!
That is an interesting perspective. It is the doing that changes us.
Just like “doing” exercise changes our muscles, “doing” God’s work changes our “God muscles.”
How does clothing ourselves with compassion like Jesus did change a person’s life?
John 7:38-39, Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
Human attempts to live according to Gods will, in our human understanding, power and application, are our attempts to express Gods truths under our own power and my minds eye it appears similar to presenting a Graven image of God. True compassion of God, can only come from God and is a vital aspect in our walk with Christ.
Jesus calls us to surrender, abandon our personal ambitions and desires, as He leads us toward a purpose far greater than our own. Denying ourselves requires we begin to actively engage in the process of embracing God’s plan, His will as sovereign over our own. Self-denial, is required as we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with God, leading to spiritual growth and fulfillment.
At the center of Jesus’ teachings and the gospel message, is to be reborn as a believer in Christ and a child of God. While the phrase “die to self” is actually not found in scripture, it is closely related to the teachings of being born again and devotion of faith. The closest thing found in the Bible is where Paul writes, “our old self was crucified” (Romans 6:6). Dying to ourself means to abandon the selfish, physical, and egotistical desires of this world and wholeheartedly seek the kingdom of God.
John 24:23-24, But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers. 24 God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Luke 9:23, John 12:24,Galatians 2:20, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 1:23,
Thank you, Ron!
I love the imagery of dying to self and surrendering to Jesus. Put another way, we “let go” of our selves and embrace Jesus.
How does clothing ourselves with compassion like Jesus did change a person’s life?
How does conforming to the likeness of Jesus not change a person’s life?
Fair enough!
There are many things we have to learn about as believers. What to believe and what not to believe. Then we have to learn what to do with our belief and how we turn that into faith.
Lots to look forward to!