Compassion literally means “to suffer with,” and Jesus’ ministry was marked by compassion for noticing and responding to the needs around him, especially for the most vulnerable and those who were on the margins of society. To follow Jesus is to embrace a life of compassionate action putting our faith into motion by showing empathy for the situations of those who suffer, being aware of the needs around us, and acting with care for the least, the lost, and the lonely.

This is the fifth week in our series, “The Nine Key Teaching of Jesus.” Today’s message is based on Matthew 14: 13-21, Luke 6: 31-36, and “Love in Action.”