• About 85% of people who come to faith in Christ come through the influence of a family member or friend.
Acts 1:1, In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do . . .
• The church of Acts is still alive and fulfilling God’s mission on earth today!
Mark 6:34 (NKJV), And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things.
Mark 1:40-41, 8:2-3; Matthew 7:13-15, 9:36, 14:14, 15:32, 18:27, 20:34; Luke 7:13, 10:33
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1) Compassion notices needs.
Acts 3: 1-5, 1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer – at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, Look at us! 5 So the man gave him his attention, expecting to get something from them.
• Looking people in the eye causes them to feel seen, understood, and validated.
Colossians 3:12, . . . As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
• Compassion comes from being with God.
Ephesians 4:32, Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
• Caring well for our own is a witness to our world.
Luke 14:21
Poor – Those who don’t have the rich resources of God’s love and truth.
Crippled – Those who can’t walk into new life alone.
Blind – Those who don’t yet see what God sees for them.
Lame – Those who lack strength to move forward in God.
2) Compassion helps with what it has.
Acts 3:6 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk . . .
• Compassion causes our pain to have purpose.
2 Corinthians 8:12, For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
Luke 10:29-37; Romans 12:8, Proverbs 19:17
3) Compassion ministers truth that transforms.
Acts 3:16;19, 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can now all see. 19, Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord . . .
Acts 4:4
• Repent – to think differently
Romans 12:2, Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
• If truth makes us free then a lie can keep us bound.
John 14:6, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Ephesians 4:15, Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is Christ.
• Truth wrapped in love causes growth.
1 Peter 3:15, . . . Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.