Move Much?
Hello from sunny Florida!
We hope you're doing well and enjoying the joys of spring.
This morning, over coffee (and a little coffee talk—SNL throwback), we discussed how much we’ve moved over the years since entering ministry. From Dallas in 2001, we've counted 15 moves—that’s a lot! Have you always lived in the same place, or have you moved around like we have?
Jesus Was Moved
Jesus didn’t just move zip codes… So, how did Jesus move? The Gospels tell us that Jesus was moved with compassion. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines compassion as being “stirred” or “excited” by the needs of others. But, what does that look like?
Compassion is sorrow and love, and another word for compassion is pity. Love is an action. Actions follow belief.
The more we meditate on something, the more likely we are to act on that belief.
Throughout the Gospels, we see how Jesus had compassion and was moved by compassion. Here are three examples:
Matthew 9:36: “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”
Matthew 15:32: “Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, ‘I have compassion on the multitude because they continue with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.’”
Matthew 14:14: “And Jesus went forth and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick.”
Jesus saw the lost, the hungry, and the sick—people in great need. He didn’t just look at them with pity. Jesus didn’t just have compassion—He moved with compassion. He showed us how to live by showing up and demonstrating how to move with God’s kind of love. Showing us how to love in action.
Love in Action
In John 14:31, Jesus says, “I do as the Father has commanded me so that the world may know that I love the Father.”
Jesus spent a lot of time with the Father—praying, seeking intimacy with Him—and He went about doing good. When we read through the Gospels, we see that Jesus had fellowship with His disciples, but it didn’t stop there. He continually looked outward to see where there was a need. He moved toward that need and brought what was required. This is love in action.
The more we meditate on the truths found in God’s Word, the more we persuade our hearts to act.
Greater Things Ahead
Jesus is the light of the world and the hope of all who put their trust in Him. And he promised that we would do even greater works than He did:
John 14:12: “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works because I am going to be with the Father.”
It may seem challenging to step out and love people as Jesus did. The good news is that, as we put our trust in Him and meditate on the Word of God, our faith will only grow stronger. We’ll see over and over again that trusting in a loving Father and reflecting on the examples of believers who’ve walked before us can persuade our hearts. As we read these life-giving stories and look for opportunities to help others, we’ll be moved with compassion.
The Power of Compassion
The apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, also formerly a known persecutor of the church. He was so opposed to the early believers, he even stood by and watched as Stephen was martyred.
But when Paul had an encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus, everything changed. He gave his life to Jesus, was baptized, and brought the Gospel to the Gentiles. He then went on to write most of the New Testament.
God desires an intimate, loving relationship with each of us so that we, too, can move with compassion and reach a hurting world with practical, powerful love.
The Call to Keep Moving
In today’s world we’re constantly being reminded that movement is vital for our physical health. So, If movement is the key to our physical health, is compassion the key to our spiritual health?
Here’s what John has to say,
1 John 4:17
“And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face Him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.”
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to read our post. We love you and are so thankful for you. We appreciate your prayers and support.
If you are partnering with us, thank you! Your support helps us love on people who haven’t met Jesus yet.
