Marks of a Disciple 7: Compassion

If a disciple exhibits the first two marks of a disciple: spirituality and humility; he will be compelled to do something with that. A disciple is not only called to go but to go out. There are many opportunities for us to go, and the key mark of a successful mission or ministry is our compassion.

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also. Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭13‬

These two passages are important for explaining the disciple’s mark of compassion, and they act as a proof text for the marks of a disciple in their larger context. They also list many qualities that describe how we might move out of our comfort zone into compassion: encouragement, love, the fellowship of the Spirit, compassion, joy, love, kindness, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. These ideals, when experienced for ourselves in our walk with Christ, are easier to share with others.

So, since we feel these things freely given to us from God, we know that love and compassion are best carried out without an attitude of getting, but an attitude of giving, not with an air of sacrifice, but with an air of grace and joy.

Jesus, quoting from Hosea 6:6, said,

I desire compassion, not sacrifice. Matthew 9:13, 12:7

God experiences compassion Himself. He intends blessings, but it is the actions of men that bring suffering. This disturbs and moves Him, so Jesus provided a flow of power and compassion for us, not a promise of sacrifice and duty. All He asks is, “Come and drink.” (John 7:38-39). If we are in touch with this compassionate God, we will experience joyful compassion for others. 

This mark of a disciple increases with use. The more we experience true compassion for the needy and the lost, the more we exercise this muscle, the stronger our compassion will become. In Isaiah 58, God asks us to loosen the ropes of the yoke, let the oppressed go free, break bread with the hungry, shelter the homeless, cover the naked, and care for relatives. In Matthew 25, Jesus says that when the disciples gave the least of people some food and drink, invited them in, clothed them, and visited them when they were sick and in prison, they were feeding Him. God cares about mission, and He gives His disciples compassion.

A disciple is called to go out, and one of the marks of a disciple is compassion. A spiritual disciple who full of humility will fulfill this call.

Describe your attitude the last time you served or volunteered.

What could you do to ensure that humility and compassion were uppermost in your mind? (Write one of these verses on a Post-it note. Memorize one of these verses above. When you are scheduled to serve at church or volunteer at a mission, put a note in your calendar that says, “Humility and compassion.”)

Loving Lord, You love me with the utmost care. You freely give me Your love. Yes, You sacrificed Yourself on the cross, but You did it with love and forgiveness within. You do not expect anything from us. I do not owe you anything, only to receive Your gift. I want to give away everything you have given me to others, in Your name. Amen.