Invite with Compassion
In a world where assumptions and fear hold us back, Jesus calls us to invite with compassion. It’s not about having perfect words—it’s about having a heart that reflects God’s love. In the message “It’s Your Move,” we were reminded that the empty chairs around us represent people who are missing from the table, and our role is to invite them home.
Why We Invite with Compassion
Compassion moves us beyond comfort. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:9 (NLT), “God saved us and called us to live a holy life… because that was His plan from before the beginning of time.” Part of that holy life is loving others enough to invite with compassion—not obligation, but out of genuine care.
Invite with Compassion Defeats Assumption
We often assume people aren’t interested or wouldn’t come to church. But Matthew 22:9 (NLT) says, “Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.” Compassion means giving everyone a chance, trusting God to do what we cannot see.
Letting Love Lead the Way
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) reminds us that God gave us “a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.” That love is the force behind our invitation. To invite with compassion means to love someone enough to risk the awkward, to initiate the conversation, to be present in their pain or confusion.
Inviting Like Jesus Did
Jesus didn’t wait for people to have it all together before He welcomed them. He went after the outcast, the hurting, the sinner. Luke 19:10 (NLT) says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Inviting with compassion is to extend that same grace and welcome to others.
Watch the full message here: It’s Your Move
