1. God is full of Compassion:

· Psalm 145:8 “Lord is gracious and full of compassion”

· Exodus 33:9 - Glory – Goodness – Compassion = the nature of God.

2. Jesus was moved by Compassion:

Compassion is not the same as sympathy.
Compassion is feeling and action on it.
Compassion motivates Mission.
Compassion = passion and union with = acts to help.
To yearn deeply within over someone’s – pain, distress and have the will to help.
E.g.: Mark 1:41 – leper – moved with compassion – He touched the leper.

Matthew 9:36-38 - Multitudes, harvest/labour. Jesus had compassion for people.

Luke 15:20 - Prodigal/lost son – the father moved with compassion.

· Compassion comes out of Encounter.

3. How can I Grow in Compassion:

3.1 Key 1 – Draw near to God (James 4:8)

· Need a fresh experience within the Presence and Glory of God.

· Can’t live in yesterday – dry, without, barren.

· Hunger for the Presence of God.

· Read the Word of God – fill self. Psalm 119:97 – meditate

· Respond with your mind, meditate. Psalm 77:10-12

· Remember the times God touched your life. Psalm 63:6

· Rest/search in the Presence of God. Exodus 33:19 – Joshua

3.2 Key 2 – Repentance over sin (James 4:8)

e.g. bitterness, control, TV, business, envy, sin etc

3.3 Key 3 – Allow the Spirit of God to Change you

What are you focussing on/open your life to?
2 Corinthians 3:18 -beholding him – change.
Encounter awakens the desire for mission. Isaiah 6:9 - heard
Encounter releases revelation of the Heart of the Lord. Isaiah 6:8
Encounter imparts in us the Glory/Life of God. Exodus 33:11 - Joshua
Encounter with God changes how we see people. Matthew 9:36 Moved with compassion.

4. What can you do?

4.1 Connect with people – John 22 – Jesus, disciples fishing – food.

4.2 Concern for people – Mark 16:7 Tell Peter.

4.3 Care for people – practical kindness – give self. 1 John 3:17