Motivated by Abundant Compassion

The following was originally written for the free EBook “Be Prolific in 2015.” Click here to download your free copy.

As I study the life and ministry of Jesus, I am struck not only by what He did, but by why He did it. He would travel from place to place preaching the good news, healing people of their sicknesses, and delivering those who were oppressed. What motivated Him to do these good works? Was He trying to gain a following, make a name for Himself, or show off His power?

The gospels give us a clear insight into His motives.

“And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.”
-Matthew 14:14

“And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them…So He began to teach them many things.”
-Mark 6:34

Why did Jesus heal the sick? He was moved with compassion for them. Why did He teach the multitudes? He was moved with compassion for them. It was compassion that inspired Jesus to feed the multitudes and raise the dead (see Matthew 15:32; Luke 7:12-15). His whole ministry was motivated by an abundant compassion that flowed out of Him to those around Him. Jesus was not driven by selfish ambition, a desire for power, or an aspiration to be famous. He was compelled by love.

What would it look like for you and me to be moved by this same compassion?

As we move into the New Year, I am asking God to fill my heart with His supernatural love. I want to minister to others out of the same compassion that Jesus had when He walked the earth. When I see others, I want to see them through His eyes. It is only this love that will conquer selfishness, fear, and pride, allowing us to impact people with the love, truth, and power of God’s kingdom.

As we receive God’s heart for people, it will drive us to action. A generous gift to one in need, a prayer for healing to one who is sick, a heartfelt hug to one who is hurting, a word of encouragement to one who feels hopeless; all flowing out of an abundant compassion that moves us to look beyond ourselves to the needs of others. This is truly the life that we are called to live.

May 2015 be a year that we receive God’s great love and give it away to others. May compassion overflow in such abundance, that no one around us is exempt from its influence. May we—like Jesus—be compelled by a love that conquers darkness and ushers in God’s light!

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