Introduction:
Today we explore a powerful metaphor that resonates deeply within our hearts and communities: Hurricane Compassion.
While there isn't a direct biblical term for "hurricane," the Hebrew word (su'ah) can refer to a storm or tumult, capturing the essence of violent weather.
We all experience a “storm of tumult” during our lives.
And when other’s experience Hurricane like violence
We need to understand our relationship to others when they are suffering
Just as a hurricane is furious and destructive in nature,
we are called to embody a compassion
and love that is equally fierce, relentless, and transformative.
Our world is in desperate need of healing, love, and persistent action.
As we delve into the Scriptures,
let us be reminded that our compassion should not be passive
but should reflect the very heart of God
—a heart that sacrifices, gives, and persists in love.
1: The Call to Compassion
The Greek word for Compassion is (splanchna)
It refers to deep-seated emotions,
often translated as "heart" or "inner parts,"
indicating a profound sense of empathy and care.
Matthew 5:16 (KJV) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Our compassion must shine brightly in a world often overshadowed by darkness.
Just as traumatic as a hurricane brings the flood rain of destruction, pain and death,
our compassionate acts of kindness counteracts the work of the devil
and it will bring healing to those who are suffering.
In Exodus 2:6, we see the compassion of Pharaoh’s daughter as she sees Moses in the basket and feels pity for him.
This moment of compassion changed the course of history.
We too are called to act when we see others in need,
allowing our hearts to be moved to action.
- Matthew 9:36: Jesus had compassion on the crowds because they were harassed and helpless.
- Mark 1:41: Jesus was moved with compassion for a leper and healed him.
- Luke 7:13: Jesus had compassion on the widow of Nain and raised her son.
Jesus showed us the way of compassion
He showed us the power of compassion
He did this so we will take His lead and move on our fellow man with a fierce compassion.
2: The Power of Love
In Luke 10:33, we read about the Good Samaritan who,
when he saw the wounded man, took pity on him.
His love was not just a feeling;
it was a catalyst for action.
Love compels us to step outside our comfort zones
and reach out to those who are hurting.
1 Peter 3:8 (KJV) Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
In 1 Peter 3:8, we are instructed to be
like-minded & sympathetic, - to love one another, to be compassionate and humble.
This love is not merely an emotion;
it is a commitment to self-sacrifice and giving.
It is a love that mirrors Christ’s love for us—a love that endured the cross for our sake.
Colossians 3:12 (KJV) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Our decision to serve Christ was not made on an island only for ourselves.
We are to be servants of compassion and love to others.
Romans 12:15 (KJV) Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
We pray for those that are suffering right now at this very moment from hurricane Helene. We pray that their suffering will be relieved soon and that this horrible nightmare will be over soon.
3: The Necessity of Persistence
The Greek word (epimone) signifies steadfastness or perseverance,
often in the context of faith and endurance.
In Hebrew, (toqef) imply’s strength or tenacity.
Hebrews 10:34 encourages us by saying,
Hebrews 10:34 (KJV) For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
because you knew that you, in heaven, have better and lasting possessions.
You know! That you have power of the devil here and now—Pray!
You know! That no weapon formed against you can prosper---Fight the good fight!
You know! That too many people are bound by Satan
Bound up in life
Bound up their bodies
Bound up in their marriage
Bound up finances
Bound up in their minds
Bound up in fear
Bound up in depression
Bound up in deception
Bound up in worry
Bound up in the past
But you knew that YOU, In heaven, have better and lasting possessions
You are Free!
You are free to praise
You are free to have joy
You are free to have peace
You are free to love God
You are free to a renewed mind
You are free to pray
You are free to a new life in Christ
We need to know who we are in Christ
We need to know who we are in the eyes of God!
We are His and we are worth sending His Son to die for us.
Therefore, we must be persistent in our pursuit of God
We must live a persistent, victorious life in Christ
Our compassion and love must be persistent,
even in the face of adversity.
1 John 3:17 (KJV) But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
we are challenged to have pity of others
We are challenged to have the Love of God so great in us that we can’t help but pour out our love, compassion and prayers on those around us
We must not only feel compassion but act upon it consistently.
Like a hurricane that relentlessly moves forward,
we too must press on in our mission to love and serve others.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the fierce nature of hurricanes,
As we see it’s destructive force on the people of our area
let us commit ourselves to embodying that same intensity in our compassion and love. May we shine our light brightly,
act with unwavering love,
and persistently pursue justice and mercy in our community.
Let us remember that our actions can bring healing and hope to those around us.
