Holy Scripture contains dozens and dozens of passages encouraging believers to be kind, helpful, hospitable, generous, merciful, and compassionate. Here are just a few examples:
- Matthew 25:34-36: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’”
- Acts 2:44, 45: All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
- Romans 12:13: Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
- 1 Timothy 6:17, 18: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
- James 1:27: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
- 1 John 3:16-18: This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Martin Luther summarized the spirit of these passages in his explanation to the Fifth Commandment. Regarding our neighbor, he says, “Help and befriend him in every bodily need.” When we see our neighbor in need, whether he is a believing child of God or a callous unbeliever, we are to help him. The Spirit’s words given through Paul’s pen are clear: As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:10).
The discussion could end right there. However, considering the history of compassion ministry in the Wisconsin Synod, it seems wise to say a little more. Many WELS pastors remember the warning offered by well-meaning seminary professors: The mission of the church is to preach the gospel; be careful that you don’t get distracted by social programs. The term “social programs” was used as a synonym for what we today would call compassion ministry or mercy ministry. There was a reason for this warning. Many churches and church bodies have become distracted by efforts to “make the world a better place.” They have become so bogged down in various social programs and political agendas that the simple proclamation of law and gospel is scarce among them. Obviously, this is something we want to avoid.
However, it’s not a matter of doing one and leaving the other undone. It’s not an either/or situation but a both/and situation. God calls us both to proclaim his truth to the lost and to be kind and compassionate to those in need. He commands us to love our neighbor by caring for his needs, soul and body. Not only are these two directives not in conflict with each other, but one supports the other. Showing kindness and compassion to those in need often breaks down barriers and opens ears to the proclamation of the gospel. Jesus talked about this in his famous Sermon on the Mount: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Peter later echoed our Savior’s words: Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us (1 Peter 2:12).
There’s an old saying that may be helpful here: People don’t care how much you know until the know how much you care. If people think that you don’t really care about them, they won’t listen to you. They won’t want anything to do with you. Who could blame them? But when they see in both your actions and your attitude a commitment to help them in their need, they are more willing to hear you out. A relationship of trust has been established. You have, in a sense, earned the right to talk to them. Then you can share with them, gently and respectfully, the reason for your hope in Christ (1 Peter 3:15).
So, why do we carry out a ministry of compassion? We don’t do it because it feels good, though it often does. We don’t do it to look better in the eyes of others, though caring for those in need certainly can improve one’s reputation. We don’t do compassion ministry for personal glory or selfish gain. We do it for the glory of God alone, in thanks for his compassionate love that saved us. We do it for the benefit of precious souls for whom our Lord Jesus willingly shed his priceless blood. In short, we show compassion because our God is full of compassion.
May the Lord in his grace bless our every effort to show compassion to those who need it!
