What Does It Mean To Live as a Christian?
How to Show Compassion Like Jesus Did
Day 5
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Newton's Third Law of Motion can be best simplified to say: “Every action has equal and opposite reaction.” Meaning, forces result from interactions.
Maybe you learned this in science, and maybe you need to be reminded of it as you live out your walk with Jesus.
As people who follow Jesus, we are called to compassion—but not just a feeling of care, sympathy or sadness. We are called to compassion and action. When you survey the Gospels, you will find that Jesus would have compassion and then do something about it.
Does your faith look like that?
Let’s get started.
Summary
When we see a moment of need, how are we supposed to respond?
As Christians, we are to care generously, but do you? Or do you, because of your humanity, shrink back in uncertainty, unaware of how to respond? Do you feel helpless, or are you someone who jumps into action?
Following Jesus isn’t just about believing the right things; it’s about living like Jesus, and Jesus always stopped for people. He noticed needs, stepped in, and gave generously, even when He got nothing in return.
Think of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37—
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 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. The next day he took out two denarii[c] 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.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Look at the reaction:
He stopped.
He saw.
He helped.
He paid for the help.
He came back to check in.
That’s what Jesus does for us, and that’s what His followers are called to do for others. True generosity isn’t seasonal, it’s daily. It’s personally giving, serving, and sacrificing to meet the needs right in front of us.
Why? Because you want people to know: God sees you, God cares about you, and God has a plan for you.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
People will experience God’s love through the way you live. How will you live today?
What's next?
What does the Good Samaritan teach us about living like Jesus?
How can generosity be more than just giving money?
What are some ways we can personally meet needs instead of only supporting them from a distance?
How does Matthew 5:16 connect good deeds to sharing the gospel?
Why do you think most people experience God’s love through other Christians?
What might keep us from “stopping” for people, and how can we overcome that?
Who has God placed in your path right now that you can help?
