Compassion
Few people have been blessed with the talents of a Michael Jackson. The singing sensation from Gary, Indiana, has for 4 decades touched the hearts of music lovers all over the world. Today, he finds himself back in court accused of child molestation. Coming to the end of an illustrious career, he finds himself fighting for his reputation as an artist and citizen. The world looks at such people as guilty before they are tried. How should the Church look at this media mayhem? There is only one way for the Christian community to view the Michael Jackson case. We must see it through the biggest word in the Bible: compassion.
The best example of handling people caught up in sinful acts is found in the Gospel of John the eighth chapter. John 8:1‑11 - Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. [2] And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. [3] And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, [4] They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. [5] Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? [6] This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. [7] So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. again [8] And he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. [9] And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. [10] When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? [11] She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Before we rake someone through the coals, let each one of us take a long look in the mirror. Jesus is simply saying; “don’t judge people to condemn them judge them to correct them.” You see, that’s what compassion does; it judges to correct, to make the offender change the error of their ways. When we throw stones at people whether they be celebrities or the vilest sinners, we make ourselves the biggest sinners of all. We become hypocrites. Michael Jackson looks pretty guilty at this point in the case. The question is not whether Michael Jackson is guilty; the question is what are you guilty of?
The funny thing about this passage is that obviously these accusers thought it was okay to sin as long as you didn’t get caught. Remember, He sees all things at all times. (2 Chron. 16:9)
If when you sin you want the Lord to have compassion on you, you need to have compassion on those that sin. Believe it or not, the Lord loves Michael Jackson and would like to see him saved. If we keep our hearts open, the Lord might be able to use the Church to turn this man’s life around. If the Lord can change me, He can change anyone.
Word for Today
Commiserative ‑ to feel or express sorrow or pity for; sympathize with.
Quote for Today
“Judge people not to condemn them but, to correct them.” - raj
The best example of handling people caught up in sinful acts is found in the Gospel of John the eighth chapter. John 8:1‑11 - Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. [2] And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. [3] And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, [4] They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. [5] Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? [6] This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. [7] So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. again [8] And he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. [9] And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. [10] When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? [11] She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Before we rake someone through the coals, let each one of us take a long look in the mirror. Jesus is simply saying; “don’t judge people to condemn them judge them to correct them.” You see, that’s what compassion does; it judges to correct, to make the offender change the error of their ways. When we throw stones at people whether they be celebrities or the vilest sinners, we make ourselves the biggest sinners of all. We become hypocrites. Michael Jackson looks pretty guilty at this point in the case. The question is not whether Michael Jackson is guilty; the question is what are you guilty of?
The funny thing about this passage is that obviously these accusers thought it was okay to sin as long as you didn’t get caught. Remember, He sees all things at all times. (2 Chron. 16:9)
If when you sin you want the Lord to have compassion on you, you need to have compassion on those that sin. Believe it or not, the Lord loves Michael Jackson and would like to see him saved. If we keep our hearts open, the Lord might be able to use the Church to turn this man’s life around. If the Lord can change me, He can change anyone.
Word for Today
Commiserative ‑ to feel or express sorrow or pity for; sympathize with.
Quote for Today
“Judge people not to condemn them but, to correct them.” - raj
posted by Christian Fellowship Center at
Monday, February 07, 2005
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