Compassion

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE:

The story is told of General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, and the day Queen Victoria of England asked to meet with him. Because she had heard so many favorable things about his work in the slums, she asked him for the secret of his success. “Your Majesty,” he replied, “Some men have a passion for money. Some people have a passion for things. I have a passion for people.” (Source Unknown)

There are three prevailing myths concerning the ministry:

1. Ministry requires money and education. - Professionalism - The success of your ministry will depend on the size of your budget and the degrees you have after your name.

2. Ministry is primarily the imparting of knowledge - Intellectualism - You can train a group of people who can quote books of the Bible but without heart it will be useless.

3. Ministry only happens on Sunday Morning - Ritualism - If we connect the fact of ministry with the place or time of ministry we make a terrible mistake.

Real ministry shows compassion that flows from one heart to another. It is true that the deepest theology ever written flows from Paul’s pen but his writings changed the world because they first touched the human heart. This passage shows the secret of his heart to heart ministry:

1. A grateful heart. “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all...” (v. 8). People tend to become what you believe them to be.

2. A praying heart. “...without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers” (vv. 9-10). You can be sure that it made the people feel good that the Apostle prayed for them.

3. A longing heart. “For I long to see you....” (vv. 11-13). Paul, the great Apostle, said, “I’m looking forward to seeing you, not just to give you something but so you can minister to me.”

4. An indebted heart. “I am a debtor....” (v. 14). In the original language this speaks of a strong moral obligation; ready to preach the gospel everywhere.

5. An eager heart. “I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.” (v. 15). Eager to help other people, even at great personal cost, and even when others didn’t want to hear.

APPLICATION:

Only two things will last forever - the Word of God and people. What am I doing this week that will last forever?