Do Not Miss Your Turn

Compassion is best described as a deep awareness of the suffering of others and a deep desire to do something about it.

Galatians 6:2 NIV

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

The Role of Compassion in Generosity:

I. Compassion opens our eyes to need.

Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Compassion focuses our vision so we can see what God sees.

The Role of Compassion in Generosity:

I. Compassion opens our eyes to need.

II. Compassion moves us beyond excuses.

Matthew 14:13-21 NIV

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.“Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

James 2:15-17 NIV

Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Compassion turns inconvenience into opportunity.

The Role of Compassion in Generosity:

I. Compassion opens our eyes to need.

II. Compassion moves us beyond excuses.

III. Compassion multiplies generosity.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Galatians 6:2 NIV

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.