COMPASSION: LEADS PEOPLE TO REPENTANCE
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?-Romans 2:4 (NKJV)
I think we would all agree that Paul knew what he was talking about when it came to evangelism. The book of Acts makes it clear that, apart from Jesus Himself, no single person did more to spread the Gospel than Paul. With this in mind, let's consider his point that the goodness of God leads people to repentance.
Wait a second, Paul. That might work with low-level sinners, but you need to get rough and radical with the serious sinners. They need to be blasted with a real "turn-or-burn" presentation of the Gospel!
Again, Paul knew what he was talking about, and experience had taught him that real repentance only occurs when the compassion and goodness of God are given center stage.
Think it through. If people come to Christ on the basis of fear, then they're always going to relate to Him that way. Their walk will be a torturous trek, filled with insecurity and instability. Soon they will resent their relationship with Him because it has become such a burden, and they will end up walking away from the things of God. To make matters worse, they carry around a "been there, done that" attitude whenever they hear the Gospel mentioned.
But if we emphasize the compassion of Christ, if we share how He always shows mercy to the 'serious sinners,' if we share that He doesn't point a judgmental finger but extends a helping hand, it will do something that no fear tactic ever could.
It will lead to a relationship where love prevails, people change because they want to, and the fruit of their repentance stands the test of time.
"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain . . . ." (John 15:16 NKJV)
Discuss the compassionate heart of Jesus with your group.
Share your favorite example of Christ showing compassion to those around Him.
Why did Jesus do what He did, and how did He do it?
Dig into Romans 2:4. What does this verse tell you about God’s character?
What does it tell you about our condition? How has this verse been true in your life? What is it that motivates you to repentance?
Decide as a group to take part in an evangelistic outreach.
Coordinate your efforts through your local church and schedule your group to participate.
Let the kindness of God show forth through you as you invite others to repentance and faith.
