COMPASSION IN COMMUNICATION
Jesus came and told His disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.
This quote is often erroneously attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order. St. Francis never said this, but whoever did, for some reason, desired to set up an unnecessary dichotomy between speech and action. Of course, your life should reflect the Gospel—the way you treat your family and friends, the way you manage your resources, and the way you intentionally stand apart from culture. But you should also be able to articulate the Gospel with your words.
Imagine your friend who is not a believer comes to you and asks you to share with them what you believe. Let’s imagine that they press you further, asking not only what you believe but also why. God’s Word is clear that we should always be ready to give the reason for the hope we have in Christ (see 1 Peter 3:15). How confident are you in your ability to engage in a Gospel-centric conversation?
There might be a temptation to give yourself a pass and leave the mission work up to the professional Christians. But all of us have a role to play. There are people in your life who will never walk through the doors of Brookwood to hear a pastor share from the stage. Instead of keeping our interactions and relationships at the surface level, let’s look for ways to go deeper. Let’s steer conversations intentionally toward Christ. Sharing who Jesus is and what He has done is the compassionate thing to do. And it’s the call Jesus has placed on our lives.
Consider what Paul says in Romans 10:13-15 (NLT): “For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’”
Romans 10:13-15 (NLT)
APPLICATION:
Ask God who you can compassionately communicate the Gospel with this week. Then go do it!
PRAYER:
Father, give me the boldness to speak for You. Give me the words to say that I might love those around me well by sharing who You are and what You’ve done. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?