When God Is Compassionate | Pastor Nate Keeler
If you’ve truly encountered the grace of Jesus, you can’t stay the same. His mercy isn’t just something we receive—it’s something that must transform how we see and treat others.
The Bible tells us that God’s compassion isn’t passive. It moves outward. And if we are His followers, our faith must lead to action.
So, let’s consider: Has God’s compassion changed you?
Loving Others—Even When It’s Hard
It’s easy to be kind to people who think like us, believe like us, or treat us well. But what about those who frustrate us? What about people who have hurt us? What about enemies?
Jesus made it clear:
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
The early Church took this seriously. Even under intense persecution, they refused to retaliate with violence. Roman historians observed how these early Christians responded to brutality—not with hatred, but with hope. And in time, their way of life transformed an empire.
One modern example of this radical love comes from the Netherlands in 2004. After a Dutch filmmaker was murdered by a Muslim extremist, violent retaliations broke out. Churches and mosques were attacked.
But in the middle of the chaos, a Dutch pastor, Kees Sybrandi, did something radical. He walked to a mosque, knocked on the door, and told the fearful Muslim community inside, “I will stand guard outside your mosque every night until the violence stops.”
Other churches joined him. For three months, Christians protected the very people some considered their “enemies.” When asked why, the pastor’s answer was simple: Jesus.
That’s the kind of compassion that changes the world.
Who Do You Need to Forgive?
Compassion isn’t just about big moments—it’s about the daily choices we make. Maybe you’re not called to stand guard outside a mosque, but perhaps God is calling you to forgive someone.
- An ex who hurt you.
- A family member who betrayed you.
- A former friend who abandoned you.
- A person in church who offended you.
Forgiveness is hard. It’s not about ignoring the pain but about releasing it into God’s hands.
Jesus forgave us when we least deserved it. While hanging on the cross, He said of His executioners, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
When we forgive, we reflect the heart of Jesus. And often, the act of forgiveness is as much for us as it is for the person who wronged us. Holding onto resentment only traps us in bitterness. Forgiveness sets us free.
So, who do you need to forgive today?
Compassion That Fuels Our Witness
The Gospel isn’t just about words; it’s about action.
Did you know that over 3,000 people groups in the world have never heard the name of Jesus? Or that in many communities, only a small percentage of people attend a Bible-teaching church?
Does that break your heart?
If we’ve experienced the mercy of God, it should compel us to share it. But how we share it matters. The world doesn’t need a checklist Christianity that just tells people what to believe. It needs a compassionate witness—one that listens, serves, and demonstrates the love of Christ in action.
Think about Jesus’ ministry. He didn’t just preach. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and spent time with the outcasts of society. His message was always accompanied by compassion.
If we want to be effective in sharing the Gospel, we must do the same.
Practical Ways to Show Compassion
If faith without works is dead (James 2:17), then compassion without action is empty.
Here are some ways you can live out God’s compassion:
- Forgive someone you’ve been holding a grudge against. Release them to God.
- Serve the vulnerable. Volunteer at a shelter, mentor a struggling youth, or reach out to an immigrant family.
- Reconsider your attitude. Are you harsh toward those with different political or social views? Maybe it’s time to listen more than you argue.
- Share the Gospel with love. Invite someone to church, share your testimony, or simply offer encouragement to someone who is struggling.
We can also apply compassion in our daily interactions.
- At work: Extend kindness to that difficult coworker.
- At home: Show patience when your spouse or kids frustrate you.
- In your community: Treat the cashier, waiter, or delivery driver with dignity.
Even small acts of love can have a huge impact.
Serving as a Church Community
Compassion isn’t just an individual effort—it’s something we should do together as the body of Christ. That’s why we are excited about Go Week!
GO Week is an opportunity for our entire church to engage in acts of love—partnering with local organizations and making a real difference. Whether it’s feeding the homeless, visiting the elderly, or serving at community centers, this is our chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Our goal? To let our city see the Gospel in action.
When we love others as Jesus loved us, people take notice. They may not believe in Jesus yet, but they will see His love reflected in us.
A Heart Check: Has Compassion Changed You?
God’s love is not stagnant—it moves. It calls us to step beyond our comfort zones and love the unlovable. It calls us to forgive, serve, and proclaim the message of Christ.
So today, ask yourself:
Has God’s compassion changed you? And if so… how is it changing the world through you?