Scripture Reading: Psalm 40:6-13

Character Building: Compassion (Part 2)

Intro.

1. Character - “Inner strength, integrity, constitution;” that which defines the person...It is not what he does, but what he is. (See Part 1)

a. Conformed to the image of Christ, Col 3:10.

b. Christian’s character expressed his/her faith, cf. 2 Pet 1:5-7.

3. Shaping our character requires shaping our hearts, Col 3:12-17.

a. Building character begins with restructuring our heart (Rom 12:2).

b. This is a very determined action (“put on”), Col 3:12.

4. Compassion (oiktirmos): “To have pity, a feeling of distress through the ills of others” (Vine); “bowels of mercy” (KJV). Mercy comes from compassion (“the outward manifestation of pity”, Matt 5:7).

I. COMPASSION: THE CHARACTER OF CARING.

A. God’s Elect have Received Compassion, Col 3:12; Rom 9:15.

1. Having been cared for by God and obtained compassion from God, we must do likewise, 1 Jno 4:19, 10-11.

2. To withhold compassion is to condemn ourselves, Lk 6:38.

B. Compassion is Characteristic of Holiness, Col 3:12.

-Care and pity over the distressing circumstances of others is a trait the Holy One; it must be so of His saints, Rom 5:8.

II. COMPASSION IS THE CHARACTER OF EVANGELISM, Matt 9:35-38; cf. Acts 15:36; 16:9-10.

A. We All Need to do more Evangelism.

1. Is our motivation lacking? What degree of compassion do we have for the lost? cf. Lk 15:1-7

2. Where would you be if someone had not taught you the gospel?

B. Compassion Sacrifices itself to try to Save Others, 1 Cor 9:22, 19.

1. Paul gave up his liberties in order to attempt to save the lost.

2. Compassion compels us to think of others before ourselves; become a “laborer” (Matt 9:38).

C. Compassion Produces a Commitment to Teach what needs to be Taught when it needs to be Taught, Acts 20:18-20. Overcomes fear

1. Seen by some as lacking compassion (unwise and ”insensitive”), but Paul taught based on the benefit for their souls! So must we.

2. Acts 8:20; 24:25: Did Peter and Paul lack compassion? No!

III. COMPASSION IS THE CHARACTER OF FORGIVENESS.

A. Compassion Removes the Limits of our Ability to Forgive, Matt 18:21-35.

1. Forgiveness is boundless when moved by compassion.

2. Illus. Joseph, who wept and comforted his brothers, Gen 50:15-21.

B. Such Forgiveness is Harder than it may Appear, Lk 6:27-28, 35-36.

1. Keeping a compassionate, forgiving heart in the face of abuse is a tremendous test of character, Lk 23:34.

2. Knowing what sin does to one’s soul and being compassionate when the sins of others hurt us is a true mark of character, Acts 7:59-60.

IV. COMPASSION IS THE CHARACTER OF HELPING THE LESS FORTUNATE, Mk 1:40-42.

A. We can Learn to be Compassionate, Isa 1:16-17.

B. “If you are Willing…” (Isa 1:19)

1. Love your brethren, 1 Jno 3:16-17.

2. Help those in need, Lk 10:33-34 (Jas 2:14-17, cf. faith).

3. Comfort those who mourn, Lk 7:13 (Rom 12:15).

4. Remember the distressed, Heb 13:1-3 (10:34).

C. Compassion Sees itself in Others and does what it can to Help, Matt 7:12.

-cf. David toward his enemies, Psa 35:11-14

Conclusion

1. Character is being compassionate toward the distresses of others even when they refuse to show the same courtesy to you (Psa 35:15-16).

2. Building hearts of compassion will help us have godly character throughout life; Compassion is the character of God’s holy ones!