Disruptive Compassion
Sunday Sermon Summary: 'Disruptive Compassion'
Today, Bill Chapman continued his message from last week, delving deeper into the concept of 'Disruptive Compassion' and how our compassion should be more than just a feeling – it should be a force that disrupts the status quo.
The Essence of Compassion:
Bill started by reminding us of the descriptions of God's character in the Hebrew Bible, which often highlight His compassion, grace, and unfailing love. The Hebrew word for compassionate, "Rakhum," is related to the word for womb, suggesting a deep, motherly tenderness at the core of compassion. It's not just an emotion; it's an action. God's compassion is seen in His actions, as He rescues His people.
Jesus is the embodiment of God's deep compassion in human form. He was moved by human suffering, and His life reflects the compassionate nature of God. He calls His followers to imitate this compassion by allowing ourselves to be moved by the pain of others, embracing those who hurt, and actively working to relieve suffering.
Compassion in Action:
Compassion is an intense emotion, and the key question Bill posed was whether we are motivated to take action by the compassion we feel.
Matthew 9:36-38 shows Jesus' compassion in action, as He saw the crowds and was moved to encourage His disciples to pray and meet the needs of the people.
2 Corinthians 1:4 reminds us that we receive God's comfort so that we can comfort others in their troubles.
What Is Disruptive Compassion?
Bill explained that disruptive compassion is a model Jesus lived out. His actions disrupted the status quo and challenged the religious elite. Examples abound in the Bible: when He touched lepers, opened blind eyes, and associated with those considered outcasts.
Reference: John 11:33-35, Mark 1:41, Mark 5:1-17, Mark 8:1-10 & Luke 5:20
Disruptive compassion goes beyond sympathy; it's positive action that disrupts the norm. It's driven by love and kindness, modelling what we should model.
Bill proposed that disruptive compassion isn't just about changing someone's destination; it's about altering the course and direction of their journey. By journeying with them, step by step, we manifest God's compassion and ultimately lead them closer to Him.
We are called to love others as we love ourselves. With disruptive compassion, we can positively change how people feel, think, and live their lives.
Disruptive compassion can have a profound spiritual impact, leading people to encounter the God of all compassion and love through us.
Bill emphasised that compassion is not just an attribute of God; it's a quality of His people. It sets us apart when we use compassion disruptively to challenge the status quo.
May we be inspired to embody disruptive compassion, positively impacting the world and drawing people closer to God through our actions and love.
