True Compassion, Not Compulsion

It goes against our human nature to have a heart of selfless compassion, but we are called to do so. You are called to love your neighbors as yourselves (Matthew 22:29), but how do you do that when it’s not your initial desire? When you connect with God through Compassion, your primary goal is to encounter, bless, and please your King. Everything else flows from that. When you keep Jesus at the center, your motives and actions align with His will.

Here are some questions to ask yourself. If God were never to give you another blessing, would you still have a heart for His people? If you never reaped another earthly benefit, would you still be moved with compassion for others? If everything that you had was gone, would you still love God’s people the way that He loves you? Is your love and obedience to the Lord conditional or unconditional?

God cares about your heart posture first, for that is where the motive lies, but from your heart, your actions follow. Most Christians wouldn’t say that they serve God because they want blessings, but sometimes, in the back of your mind, we ask ourselves: How is the Lord going to use this act of service I am committing in my life? How will this bless me?

God has a genuine compassion with no strings attached, and He gives us the ability to do the same things for others.

Prayer

Father, thank You for loving me first. Thank You for Your faithful compassion, even when you didn’t get anything in return. Teach me to show true compassion, not out of obligation but because you are compassionate. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Application

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if there is anyone you have felt obligated to show compassion towards. Ask Him to give you His heart for them, and how you can show compassion to them.