“And of some have compassion, making a difference” (Jude 22)

It is certainly no secret that Jesus Christ made a difference in the world. Not only did Christ make a difference, but He continues to make a difference as His Salvation spreads unto the end of the earth.

When reading the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; I see in several passages of Scripture the compelling motivation by which Christ was led in making a difference in the lives of those desperately in need. This motivation is found in the text verse, and will be cultivated in our hearts by God’s Spirit, as we see the needs of others, with an overwhelming desire to intervene.

One of the Greek terms for compassion is “sumpatheō”; which is defined as “to suffer with another, to be affected similarly, to have compassion” (Vine’s). This Greek word is where we get our English word “sympathy”; and it is one of the primary reasons for Christ becoming flesh. In Christ’s incarnation, He identified Himself with humanity, feeling their infirmities, so that He could be a faithful High Priest.

When we go to Christ with our weaknesses, He is always ready to work on our behalf, because He knows what we are suffering. The Scripture states that He was “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). He Himself suffered being tempted, so that He would be able to aid us who are tempted (Hebrews 2:18). Christ is not ignorant of our temptation, but is ready and willing to see us through, because of the compassion that He has towards us.

“…his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Many times in Scripture, before Christ performed a miracle, the Word of God tells us that Christ was moved with compassion. (See Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 20:34; Mark 1:41.) Christ intervened in people’s circumstances because of the compassion and sympathy He had towards them. He came to save the world, not condemn it – and as He compassionately intervened, He made a difference; a difference that ultimately brought humanity a Savior from their sin.

Jude 22 suggests that we, as believers, are to have compassion on some, making a difference. Christ has left us the ultimate Example. We should choose today to follow His steps, and walk in a spirit of humility, extending a hand of compassion to those who are out of His Will. In doing so, we will make a difference in someone’s life, possibly saving a soul from death, and hiding a multitude of sins (James 5:20).