Compassion not compromise!
Compassion not compromise!
In today’s society there seems to be an existing ideology which tells us that we are supposed to be willing to compromise our beliefs in order to keep peace in the family, so to speak. It is not acceptable in many circles to stand by what you believe, if it is in any way taken to be offensive or confrontational by others. In fact, a person can be severely attacked for what your belief system is, especially if it is established on the teachings of God’s Word.
Throughout Jesus’ ministry there were numerous times when He confronted those He met about their sinful lifestyle. He always seemed to address these people, and their various acts of sin, with a heart of compassion and love, in hopes they would see their sinful actions, repent, and turn away from what they were doing. When Jesus ministered to the woman caught in the act of adultery He said, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” John 8:10-11
And when the Master conversed with the Samaritan woman at the well, in John 4:1-42, He told her, “You are right in saying, I have no husband; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” He went on to say later, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” In essence, Jesus was calling this woman to a life of faith centered on worshiping the Father and believing in Him (Jesus as her Savior). This life of faith is carried out through the working of the Holy Spirit and with a desire to do the will of the Father. Yes, turning from a life lived in the flesh to one lived in obedience to Almighty God. Jesus showed compassion for the sick and the lost, yet He never compromised the truth of God’s perfect will for His creation.
As Christians today, we are called by Jesus to reach out in love, compassion, care, and forgiveness to those people, who have been deceived into believing they can live and do whatever they want because it is their life, their body, and their choice. Led by the Lord may we be used by Him to seek out and help a brother or sister involved in any transgression. Paul tells us in Galatians 6:1, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you be tempted.”
It can be so easy for us to close our eyes to the sins being committed in our midst. Maybe because we feel guilty about our own sinfulness. And maybe it is because we want to be compassionate towards others. But let us never be deceived by the devil into thinking that compromising our faith and the truth of God’s Word is an act of compassion towards another person. Stand firm, stand faithful, and stand on the truth, for in doing so the Lord will use you to be a blessing to those knowingly, or unknowingly, caught-up in their sins. Pastor McCarty