When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So He began teaching them many things. Mark 6:34
“Christ literally walked in our shoes and entered into our affliction. Those who will not help others until they are destitute reveal that Christ’s love has not yet turned them into the sympathetic persons that the gospel should make them.”
Timothy Keller in Generous Justice: How God’s Grace Makes Us Just (New York: Penguin, 2012) 69-70.
As 2020 draws to a close, I realize I still have a lot to learn about my word for the year: compassion. One thing I have found is that Christ is the model for us.
He walked in our shoes, entered into our affliction, and loved us so much He did not leave us without direction. He gave us the teaching we needed to find the way to life.
As you think about your year-end giving, support the ones that help you become a sympathetic person. Give to those who help you identify with the hurting and who empower the needy with the teaching they need.
Support a portfolio of ministries that reflect the things Christ cares about. Start with your local church, include ministries in your region, and global organizations like GTP.