"Abiding Compassion" from njgrace.org
The meeting of Grace Christian Church. We meet in person and stream services every Sunday at 10:30 AM EST in Manalapan, New Jersey.
The sermon "Abiding Compassion" from njgrace.org explores how believers can live in a close, dependent relationship with Jesus Christ, described as "abiding" in Him, to reflect His compassion and love. Building on the previous message "Abiding Power," it uses John 15:4–5 to emphasize that true spiritual fruit—actions and emotions aligned with Christ—comes only from relying on Him, not human effort. Without abiding, believers can do nothing of eternal value, but through Christ, they can bear abundant fruit.
The message focuses on three expressions of Christ’s compassion that believers can show toward humanity when abiding in Him:
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Compassion for the Helpless (Matthew 9:36): Jesus felt deep compassion for the spiritually lost, described as helpless and harassed, like sheep without a shepherd. Unsaved people, living without God’s Spirit, lack purpose and are vulnerable. Believers are called to share Christ’s compassion by sharing the Gospel, guiding the lost to Jesus, their Shepherd (1 Peter 2:25), who offers purpose and spiritual life.
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Compassion for the Hungry (Matthew 15:32): Jesus showed care for the physically hungry, feeding thousands miraculously, and for the spiritually hungry, declaring Himself the "bread of life" (John 6:35). With 750 million people facing hunger globally, believers abiding in Christ can address both physical and spiritual needs by providing food and sharing the Gospel, which satisfies the soul’s deeper hunger.
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Compassion for the Hurting (Luke 7:13): Jesus comforted a grieving mother, raising her son from the dead, turning her sorrow into joy. Believers can reflect this compassion by praying for and comforting those in emotional pain, using scriptural truth to counter lies that cause hurt (John 8:31–32; Psalm 34:18). While unable to perform miracles like Jesus, they can offer Christ’s love and support.
The sermon urges believers to abide in Christ to cultivate a heart of compassion for the helpless, hungry, and hurting. By doing so, they allow Christ to work through them, sharing the Gospel and meeting practical needs. It concludes with a call to identify and help those in need, encouraging listeners to visit njgrace.org for more teachings on grace and Christ-centered living.
