LifeFlow: Ministry of Compassion

LifeFlow: Ministry of Compassion
Pastor Miles
5/18/2014

1. The life of Jesus was filled with compassion.
- Jesus was able to identify and connect with the people he ministered to

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36 NIV)

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. (Matthew 14:14 NIV)

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way." (Matthew 15:32 NIV)

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. (Matthew 20:34 NIV)

And a leper came to Him, begging Him on his knees and saying to Him, If You are willing, You are able to make me clean. And being moved with pity and sympathy, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him, and said to him, I am willing; be made clean! (Mark 1:40, 41 AMP)

2. If you have LifeFlow, then your life will be filled with compassion.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:12, 13 NIV)

Luke 10:
33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He 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. 35 The next day he took out two denariie 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?"
37 The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

3. Show compassion for those who are in need and for those who are oppressed.
- for those in need (the poor, the hurting), compassion takes the form of mercy
- for the oppressed (the powerless, the vulnerable), compassion takes the form of justice
- although individually we cannot do everything, each of us can do something.

4. Use the resources God has entrusted to you in a ministry of compassion.