We’ve all been there—standing at a point in our lives where we feel too far gone or too broken to be reached. Maybe it was before you found faith, or perhaps it was during a time of doubt and struggle. It’s easy to look back now and see how far we’ve come, but sometimes we forget the mindset we had back then. We forget the fears, insecurities, and questions that held us captive. More importantly, we forget the patience and compassion someone showed us when we needed it most.
But Jesus never forgot. He met people right where they were, in the middle of their mess and confusion, and offered love that transformed. His compassion wasn’t dependent on their understanding or their spiritual maturity—it was rooted in His deep desire to see them whole.
As we seek to reflect Christ, it’s important to remember that transformation often begins with a gentle hand, not a heavy one.
Mark 6:34
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.”
There’s something deeply moving about this verse. Jesus didn’t wait for people to catch up to His level. He met them exactly where they were. I think many of us as Christians, myself included, sometimes forget this vital lesson. We try to reach people from where we are, but that’s not what Jesus did. He stepped into their world and showed them love and compassion.
1. Meeting People at Their Level
Think about your own salvation journey. What if someone had bombarded you with rules and expectations instead of introducing you to the love and grace of Christ? Would you have responded the same way? Or what if, as a baby Christian, you were looked down upon for not having grown enough in your faith yet?
Maybe that’s your story. Maybe you felt judged by others who were further along, and it pushed you away from God and the church. If that’s the case, I want to apologize for those who made you feel that way. I’m not saying growth and change aren’t important—they absolutely are. But we must remember that everyone grows at different rates. We don’t know where God is working in someone else’s life.
Scripture to Reflect On:
Romans 15:1 – “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”
Reflection:
Have you ever judged someone for not being at the same spiritual level as you? How can you shift your mindset to reflect Christ’s compassion?
2. A Lesson from My Own Life
Years ago, I was part of a business that emphasized turning everything over to God for success. I heard audio after audio reinforcing this. The message was clear—unless you made God the center, you wouldn’t reach the highest levels.
But at that point, I was struggling. I went to my friend who introduced me to the business and told him something that, looking back, makes me laugh but also humbles me. I said, “I’m going to be the first person to build this business without God.”
Most people would have corrected me or even rebuked me. But my friend didn’t. He looked at me and said, “If you truly believe that, then go for it!”
His response shocked me, but now I realize the wisdom in it. He knew something I didn’t. He knew that working with people would eventually lead me back to God. And he was right. Over time, God softened my heart, and my life changed drastically. If my friend had responded harshly, I might have walked even further away from God.
Lesson:
Sometimes, people need space to wrestle with their faith. Our job isn’t to push but to walk alongside them in love.
Scripture to Reflect On:
John 13:35 – “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
3. The Power of Compassion
Jesus knew the crowd was lost—like sheep without a shepherd. But instead of rebuking them, He taught them with compassion. We must do the same.
When dealing with people who are not yet believers or are just beginning their journey, we have to remember that they simply don’t know what they don’t know. And it’s not our job to hit them over the head with the Bible or overwhelm them with rules. It’s our job to inspire them, to love them, and to guide them patiently
Scripture to Reflect On:
Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.”
4. Influence Through Love, Not Fear
Think of teenagers who dismiss advice about how their decisions will affect their future. They simply don’t understand yet. It’s the same with people new to faith. When we lead with compassion instead of fear or judgment, we allow space for God to work in their hearts.
Fear may bring temporary change, but love brings lasting transformation. Jesus never manipulated people into following Him. His love and mercy drew them in.
Scripture to Reflect On:
1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”
Reflection:
Are you leading others to God through love or fear? How can you better reflect Jesus’ heart in your interactions?
5. Moving Forward with Grace
As you interact with others, remember to reach them at their level. It’s not about lowering your standards but about humbling yourself to help lift someone else up. Whether you’re talking to a non-believer, a struggling Christian, or someone who’s been wounded by the church, your compassion can be the bridge that brings them closer to God.
I pray this message stirs something in you. Let’s commit to inspiring others through grace and love, guiding them toward God not by force, but by reflecting His heart.
Call to Action:
This coming week, find one person to show grace and compassion to. Let them see Christ through your kindness and love.
Prayer:
Lord, give me the heart to see others as You see them. Help me to lead with compassion, meet people where they are, and reflect Your love in all I do. Amen.