We should be moved by the pain of others and imitate Christ's compassion.
Exodus 34:6, Isaiah 49:15-16a, Luke 13:34, 1 Peter 2:24, Ephesians 2:13, Colossians 1:19-20, and Luke 6:36
How does God define himself according to Exodus 34:6?
In what ways did Jesus demonstrate compassion during his time on earth?
How can we imitate God's compassion in our daily lives?
Pastor Tyler Minton from River City Church delivered a warm and conversational message titled 'Unfiltered Love: Embracing the Authentic Compassion of God' on Mother's Day in 2024. He reminded us that our picture of God has a huge impact on how we see ourselves, others, and the world. He referenced Exodus 34:6 where God defines himself as an emotional God filled with compassion, mercy, and unfailing love. Pastor Tyler explained that compassion conveys emotion and challenged us to embrace the fact that God is an emotional God who deeply cares for His creation. He also referenced Isaiah 49:15-16a, which compares God's love to that of a mother's love for her child. Pastor Tyler reminded us that when we are in pain or see others suffering, we can be certain that God is deeply moved to respond. He then went on to talk about how God's ultimate response to compassion was becoming human in Jesus. He explained that compassion is so visceral that it compels us to action, just like how Jesus demonstrated compassion when he cared for the sick and drew close to the wounded, rejected, and suffering. Pastor Tyler also referenced Luke 13:34 where Jesus shows his broken-hearted compassion for Jerusalem. He then explained that Jesus demonstrated the ultimate Splanchnizomai (compassion) when he embraced the cross. He referenced 1 Peter 2:24, Ephesians 2:13, and Colossians 1:19-20 to explain how Jesus' sacrifice on the cross united us with God and reconciled us to him. Pastor Tyler reminded us that God calls his followers to imitate his compassion, just as it is written in Luke 6:36. The main idea of the message was that we should be moved by the pain of others and imitate Christ's compassion. Pastor Tyler encouraged us to embrace the hurting, participate in relieving suffering in our world, and to start with our homes, cities, and world. He also reminded us to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God is to us through Christ. The main scriptures used were Exodus 34:6, Isaiah 49:15-16a, Luke 13:34, 1 Peter 2:24, Ephesians 2:13, Colossians 1:19-20, and Luke 6:36.
Be moved by the pain of others.
Embrace the hurting, participate in relieving suffering in our world, and start with our homes, cities, and world.
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