The Christian faith is centred around the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the embodiment of compassion and love. As believers, we are called to follow His example and share His passion for soul-winning. Unfortunately, many Christians fall short of this calling today, and their lack of compassion can have serious consequences. Let us explore relevant Bible verses to understand the compassionate nature of Christ and the urgency of soul-winning while also considering the consequences of not being saved.
1. The Compassionate Christ: Jesus’ compassion is evident throughout the Scriptures, as He consistently reached out to the lost, the broken, and the marginalised:
a) Matthew 9:36: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
b) Mark 6:34: “When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.”
c) Luke 15:4-7: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?”
d) John 8:11: “And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.'”
2. Uncompassionate Christians: Sadly, not all Christians exhibit the same level of compassion that Christ demonstrated. Many of us become complacent in our faith and fail to seek and save the lost actively:
a) Matthew 9:37: “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.'”
b) James 2:15-16: “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”
c) Revelation 3:15-16: “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
3. The Urgency of Soul-Winning: The Bible emphasises the urgency of spreading the Gospel and seeking the salvation of souls:
a) Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
b) Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
c) 2 Corinthians 5:20: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you, on behalf of Christ, to be reconciled to God.”
4. Consequences of Not Being Saved: The Scriptures also warn about the serious consequences of rejecting the salvation offered through Christ:
a) John 3:36: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
b) 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9: “In flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”
c) Revelation 20:15: “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His compassion and actively engage in soul-winning. Our faith should not be lukewarm or complacent but rather driven by a passionate desire to reach the lost and bring them into God’s Kingdom. Remember the consequences of rejecting God’s grace and use every opportunity to share the Gospel with love, humility, and urgency. Doing so can embody the compassionate Christ and lead others to eternal salvation.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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