Introduction
The universal church is uniquely positioned to lead a unified approach to loving our neighbors. Frequently, instead of in God we trust, in this nation we trust in government programs to care for the oppressed. But consider this thought: in America, we have elections every four years, and as the political pendulum swings back and forth, so do the priorities of our leaders and, along with priorities, government funding. Funded programs that may just have started to address needs could be dismantled at the next leadership change.
The Church's Consistent Leadership
The church has one leader and one mandate throughout generations. Throughout history, people of faith are inspired by their faith to do good and love their neighbors. This is the ultimate self-sustaining social program, or it should be. Voluntary motivation to do good has been a hallmark of the faithful—very rarely will you find a hospital without a name that references a religious figure or characteristic.
Christian Compassion in Action
Charitable organizations in America such as soup kitchens, halfway houses, outreaches to prison, shelters for the homeless, non-profits for expecting mothers, and so many more are established by Christians out of a heart of compassion. Abroad, we have relief efforts that provide livestock and the ability to sustain it, or organizations that respond to tragedies such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or other regional tragedies to bring relief in urgent situations, all find their beginnings in Christian influence.
The Mandate to Love Our Neighbors
The church can and should accept responsibility for leadership in the mandate to love our neighbors. Biblically based Christian care for those in need often transcends the limitations of a government-funded, billable hours approach by emphasizing personal connection, compassion, and holistic support. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus, Christian care prioritizes the dignity and worth of each individual, offering not just material assistance but also emotional and spiritual support. This approach fosters a sense of community and belonging, which can be crucial for those feeling isolated or marginalized. Unlike the often impersonal and bureaucratic nature of government programs, Christian care is driven by a genuine desire to serve and uplift others, reflecting the unconditional love and grace central to the faith. This personal touch can lead to more meaningful and lasting impacts on the lives of those in need.
Challenges and Rewards of Compassion
However, be warned: helping people escape poverty, addiction, trauma, and homelessness and forge a new path is a long road that is hard and often disappointing. Not everyone who starts down the road of restoration and self-sustainability arrives at their destination. The fact that it is difficult does not excuse Christians from Jesus’ commandment to love our neighbors and encourage them on the journey.
The True Meaning of Compassion
Compassion literally means to suffer with. Handing someone a few bucks or tossing them a sandwich is not suffering with them. Buying two sandwiches and sitting with them and learning more about them, while not really meeting the definition of suffering, is in the sharing of the meal where we learn to love and understand one another. The person engaging in this level of compassion will not only be helping someone else, but in the process, the helper too will be transformed.
Conclusion
Godly compassion has a deep impact. In the heart of Kolkata, at one of Mother Teresa’s homes for the destitute, a man named David volunteered his time. David, a quiet and introspective man, was assigned the task of caring for the sick and dying. One day, he was asked to bathe a man named Raj, who was too ill to care for himself. Raj, a gay man, had been abandoned by his family and society, left to fend for himself in his weakest moments.
As David gently bathed Raj, he couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of compassion and empathy. He saw beyond Raj’s illness and societal labels, recognizing his inherent dignity and worth. With each careful touch, David’s heart softened, and he felt a profound connection to the teachings of Jesus about love and service.
Raj, overwhelmed by David’s kindness and the tender care he had not experienced in years, began to weep. Through his tears, he expressed how this simple act of compassion had touched his soul. “In this moment,” Raj said, “I feel the love of Christ. Your kindness has shown me what it truly means to be a Christian.”
David, too, felt a transformation within himself. He realized that true Christianity was not just about beliefs but about living out those beliefs through acts of love and service. This experience deepened his faith and commitment to serving others, embodying the very essence of Christ’s teachings.
This story, while fictional, demonstrates the impact true Biblical compassion can have.
