The Imperative of Compassion

Here is a sermon based on the provided Bible verses, written from an Anglican perspective: *The Imperative of Compassion* Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today, we gather to reflect on the weighty words of our Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. In this passage, Jesus teaches us about the fundamental importance of showing compassion and kindness to those in need. Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40) These words remind us that our actions towards others are not just horizontal, but also vertical. When we serve the least of these, we are serving Christ himself. But what does it mean to serve the least of these? Jesus goes on to enumerate the various ways in which we can show compassion: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and visiting those in prison. (Matthew 25:42-43) These are not merely suggestions or recommendations; they are imperatives. Jesus is not saying, "If you feel like it, try to help those in need." No, he is saying, "This is what it means to follow me. This is what it means to be my disciple." But why is compassion so central to the Christian faith? It is because compassion is at the very heart of God's nature. As the Apostle Peter writes, "Through these [promises], he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature." (2 Peter 1:4) As we participate in the divine nature, we are called to reflect God's compassion and mercy towards others. This is not just a moral obligation; it is a spiritual imperative. As we consider our own lives and our own communities, let us ask ourselves: Who are the least of these that we are called to serve? Who are the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned in our midst? Let us not be like those who claim to have no knowledge of Christ's presence in the least of these. Let us instead be like those who recognize Christ in the face of the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed. As we strive to live out our faith in this way, let us remember the words of Jude: "Save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh." (Jude 1:23) May we be those who snatch others from the fire of sin and despair. May we be those who show mercy and compassion to those in need. And may we be those who hate the corruption of sin, even as we love the sinner. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. *Prayer Points* - For the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed in our communities - For the Church to be a beacon of compassion and mercy - For ourselves, that we may be empowered to live out our faith in practical ways *Hymn Suggestions* - "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" - "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing" - "The Church's One Foundation"