The Courage of Compassion

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Isaiah 8:11  (NLT), The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. 12  “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them.13 Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble.14 He will keep you safe.

ADVENT

• In light of Jesus coming into this world, we should change our thinking. 
• Think less as the present world would have you to think.
• Shape your thinking around the promise and power of Christ our Savior and Redeemer.

What is Compassion?

Compassion is Love and Empathy in Action

2 Corinthians 1:3,  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion [mercies] and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

What is Comfort?

Definition: παράκλησις

paraklēsis

A calling to one’s side, summons (esp. for help), supplication, entreaty, exhortation, admonition, encouragement, consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords refreshment

Matthew 14:14, And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. 15 When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.”

Compassion Requires and Builds Courage

Jesus commanded His disciples to feed the people. Their reaction showed apprehension and fear.

Matthew 14:16, But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 17 And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”