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Compassionate Evangelicalism, an Invitation

June 1, 2024 Open Religion No Comments

Evangelicalism has an immense impact on world politics. It counts 80 million adherents (voters) in the US and many also in other countries such as Brazil. At its core, it is about sharing the good news — literally, the Evangelion of Jesus.

For centuries, this has been understood as the message of salvation, a call to turn toward God. Indeed, but the good news is more than a doctrine; it is an invitation to embrace the heart of Jesus’ teachings: Compassion. On the world stage, this should be taken profoundly at heart.

This isn’t about changing Evangelical faith but deepening it.

Compassionate Evangelicalism is not meant to replace the traditional understanding of the gospel but to unlock greater depths within it. The teachings of Jesus remain the same, and this approach simply invites one to experience the fullness of one’s faith. By embracing both the literal truths – if wanted – and the deeper, more personal call to Compassion, one can grow closer to God and allow His love to flow more freely through life.

This is a journey of living more fully the good news that Jesus brought in a way that resonates deeply within the heart.

In today’s world, the need for Compassion has never been greater.

From personal struggles to global challenges, humanity is searching for a deeper connection ― something that goes beyond surface-level solutions.

Followers of Jesus are called to bring love and healing into the world. In Compassionate Evangelicalism, we find this call renewed in a way that invites everyone to journey deeper into their faith ― whether or not in the setting of a concrete belief.

The good news of Jesus’ Compassion

Jesus came to bring a message of love, not condemnation. His every word and action reflected an open invitation for people to grow from within ― to transform their lives by embracing love, not just as a belief, but as a way of being.

The New Testament can be seen as a poetic love letter from God, stirring the soul to deep reflection. Compassionate Evangelicalism builds on this foundation by focusing on the deeper, more personal call that Jesus extends to each of us.

An invitation, never a demand

One of the most beautiful aspects of Jesus’ ministry was his gentle invitation. He never forced anyone to follow him. Instead, he offered open arms, inviting people to come as they are without fear of judgment or exclusion. His love is patient and profound, waiting for hearts to open in their own time.

In the same way, Compassionate Evangelicalism offers a path where no one is coerced, and no one is left behind. Those who don’t follow immediately are not condemned but are invited again and again with God’s infinite patience. God’s Compassion is everywhere, woven into the fabric of life, waiting to be heard by those who are ready.

Yet, the truth is, many don’t hear this call clearly. It’s not because the invitation isn’t present but because the world is often loud, and we are pulled in many directions. Compassionate Evangelicalism invites us to listen more deeply, to tune in to the quiet, persistent voice of love that speaks in the depths of our hearts.

Hearing the deeper call

To live as true followers of Jesus, we must go beyond the surface-level stories and beliefs. The real transformation happens when we hear and respond to the deeper call of Jesus’ love and Compassion. This call is for inner conversion, a continual process of growing closer to God and allowing His love to flow through us. A ritual conversion ceremony is like a sincere vow to commit to this ongoing and never-ending journey.

Spiritual maturity is not found in rigid adherence to rules but in the willingness to enter the mystery of faith ― to trust in the unseen, the unmeasurable, and the profoundly alive presence of God within us. Jesus’ resurrection was not just an event in history but a living reality that can take place in the heart of each believer. His return is not as one individual but as the living presence of Christ in all people.

Compassion as the key to transformation

Compassion is not just a feeling; it is the very essence of God’s presence in the world. Through Compassion, we can reach beyond ourselves, touching the lives of others with the same love that Jesus offered. Compassion unlocks the door to a deeper understanding of faith ― a faith that is alive, dynamic, and rooted in the heart. Moreover, Compassion is not only the key but also the door, the understanding, and the faith itself.

True faith doesn’t stand still. It grows, evolves, and leads us into ever-greater depths of love. Followers of Jesus are called to embody this compassion and to let it guide people in navigating the complexities of life and faith. Jesus’ return is not about a future event but a living presence that is already here, waiting to be realized in the hearts of all people.

An invitation for all

In Compassionate Evangelicalism, God’s Compassion reaches out to everyone, whether they are ready to hear it or not. Those who feel distant from faith or who struggle to understand are not abandoned. God is patient, and His invitation remains open, waiting for hearts to awaken. In a world that is often filled with noise and confusion, the call to Compassion is clear and persistent. It invites us to go deeper, to live more fully, and to bring the healing presence of God’s love into our lives and the lives of others.

The new Evangelion – the good news of Compassionate Evangelicalism – is an invitation to those who are ready to hear, those who feel the stirrings of something more, something deeper. It is a call to embrace God’s love and let it flow through you into the world.

In this way, we follow Jesus’ example, not by force or fear, but by living the reality of his love. This is Compassionate Evangelicalism ― a faith that invites, transforms, and brings the presence of God’s Compassion to all who are willing to listen. In the deepest sense, it’s not about following Christ. It’s about becoming Christ ― each of us.

Freedom from guilt through Compassion

Many people carry a deep sense of guilt, feeling they may not measure up to God’s expectations.

Yet, Jesus’ message of Compassion is not meant to deepen guilt but to offer freedom from it. In Compassionate Evangelicalism, we recognize that God’s love and patience are boundless. Guilt is not the end of the story ― Compassion is. God invites us, again and again, to grow from within, freeing us from guilt and helping us live in the light of His love. This is not about condemning yourself but about experiencing God’s healing presence in every part of your life.

Preserving faith

Many people nowadays lose their religion because they are forced to believe or not believe. For them, Compassionate Evangelicalism can be a way to preserve their faith and what they find deeply rewarding in a life lived according to the gospel.

For them, this way, the mystery can be kept alive.

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Addendum: Jesus’ words of Compassion

For further reflection, you may find inspiration in the words of Jesus himself. Many passages from the New Testament reflect the depth of Compassion and love that Compassionate Evangelicalism seeks to embody.

Here are twelve quotes from the New Testament that align with the essence of Compassionate Evangelicalism, pointing to love, inner transformation, and spiritual depth, resonating with the poetic and profound journey of faith:

1. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)

This embodies Compassion as the central message of Jesus ― love as the core of faith.

2. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

Spiritual maturity comes from purity of heart, the openness to enter the mystery of divine love.

3. “The kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21)

This reflects the inner transformation Compassionate Evangelicalism seeks, where the divine presence resides within each of us.

4. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1)

A call for non-judgmental Compassion, inviting openness and understanding over strict dogma.

5. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

Encouraging believers to focus on the deeper treasures of the heart ― love, Compassion, and spiritual growth.

6. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Jesus offers inner peace and rest to those who seek him, reflecting the gentle call of Compassionate faith.

7. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Understood through Compassionate Evangelicalism, this could point to Jesus as a path of love and truth, rather than doctrinal exclusivity.

8. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27)

Radical Compassion is at the heart of this teaching ― love beyond boundaries, even toward those who oppose us.

9. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5)

This symbolizes the organic, continuous growth of faith when one stays connected to the divine through Compassion.

10. “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)

The Golden Rule, which mirrors Compassion at its core, encouraging empathy and love for all.

11. “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

Mercy and Compassion are divine qualities that believers are called to embody, reflecting God’s love in the world.

12. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17)

The essence of Compassionate Evangelicalism ― Jesus’ mission is not one of condemnation but of love and salvation for all.