Compassionate Evangelism

Dr. Tim Beougher, in his booklet Overcoming Walls of Witnessing, shares a true story about a pastor in the 1800's in Boston named John Vassar.  He was going door to door to invite people to church.  When he went up to the house right across the street from the church and knocked on the door, the lady of the house angrily opened the door and told him not to ever come to her house to talk about religion.  Vassar was so heart-broken at the woman's hard heart that he just wept on her front door steps.

Sharon Beougher

The next Sunday this same lady walked into the church and sat at the back.  After the service, Vassar went up to her and said he was glad, but surprised to see her at church.  He asked her what had changed her mind.  She said, "It was your tears. I had never seen anyone weep for me before."

Wow!  When was the last time you wept over a unbelieving family member, much less a stranger who was lost?  I am convicted by that!

Seeing the people, He felt compassin for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36).

Lord, please develop in us hearts of compassion so that we may urgently share the Good News to a generation who is in desperate need of hearing Your message of hope!