Distinctive #7: Gospel Compassion

If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Timothy 5:8

The seventh distinctive of a gospel-centred church is gospel compassion. Paul is urging the church to cultivate a culture of caring and serving.

The Bible is full of God’s compassion for His children, especially those who do not have others in this world who care for them.

Listen to the testimony of Moses: “He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing” (Deut. 10:18). An entire book of the Bible is given to the story of three widows, Ruth, Orpah, and Naomi, and how God provided hope and a future for them.

One day Jesus saw a crowd gathered around a widow whose only son had died: “When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her” (Lk. 7:13). Literally, “He was moved to the core of his being.” By His divine power, He raised the young man to life and gave him back to his mother.

The Gospels are full of the affection of Jesus for those who have the least in this world. From the earliest days, this ministry of compassion has been a distinguishing mark of faithful churches.

In Acts 6, we read about a daily distribution of food to widows in the church, and here in 1 Timothy, we have half a chapter devoted to this marvellous ministry.

If you are a widow or are struggling with the unique pressures that come to a single mother, know that you have a special place in the heart of God.

Ask God to give you His heart of compassion for those in need around you.