Being Moved with God’s Heart of Compassion

When we minister to others, it is so important to be moved with God’s heart of compassion. Whether it is sharing the gospel, praying for healing, casting out evil spirits, or meeting needs, we must allow the Lord’s love to fill our hearts for the people to whom we minister.

Ministry is not just about having good answers, saying the right words, or praying the right prayers. First and foremost, it is about having the heart of God.

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 go 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? He was not seeking to build a platform, make a name for Himself, or show off His power.

The gospels give us 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.

Growing in Compassion

When I equip people to minister in deliverance, I often share that more important than having the right methods is growing in intimacy with God and compassion for people. All true ministry flows out of relationship with God. And as we grow in intimacy with the Lord, we cannot help but begin to gain His heart for people. This compassion of the Lord flowing through us will often impact people more than the specific ministry that they receive. It communicates God’s love to them, and makes them feel valued, seen, and cared for.

We can grow in our compassion as we ask the Lord to give us His heart for people and yield to the Holy Spirit at work within us. I have found that one of the best ways to grow in compassion is to spend time in the secret place, interceding for people’s needs. Allow God to break your heart for things that break His. Don’t shy away from feeling His emotions and crying His tears.

We should continually seek God for a greater anointing and power of the Holy Spirit to minister effectively to others. But let’s not forget, the Holy Spirit does not come upon us for our own sake, but for the glory of God and the benefit of others. Let’s cry out to God to fill us with His heart of love for others. Let’s allow His compassion to flow through us so that people can experience God’s love in a whole new way!

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your great love for me and for others. Give me your heart for people and help me to see them the way that you do. Remove selfishness from me, and allow me to experience your compassion. I want to be moved with compassion the same way that Jesus was. I want others to experience your love when I minister to or interact with them. Anoint me with your power and fill me with your love. In Jesus’ name, amen!