Trait 5 Compassion: there is the trait of compassion.  We look at the word compassion as having sympathy Compassion is the trait that stirred Christ to reach out for us. We learn about compassion through example and encouragement. Imitating Christ has led many to lives of expressed compassion. The Scriptures also exhort believers to make compassion a central part of their lives (Zech 7:9, Col 3:12.   Compassion needs to be nurtured and practiced or even this basic love response can grow dull and cold.

The Hebrew word (hamal or rachuwm]) and Greek word (splanchnisomai) sometimes translated as "compassion" also bear a broader meaning such as "to show pity," "to love," "to show mercy." "to be loved by, " "to show concern for, " "to be tenderhearted, " and "to act kindly."

Compassion is the force that drives Jesus to keep after us time and again—even if we are in rebellion and stand opposed to Him. We may be stiff-necked, irritating and just plain stubborn. We may even curse Him and try to hinder others from getting to know Jesus Christ and His finished work.  But in spite of all the obstacles and excuses we can make Jesus is still there with an outstretched hand of compassion.

This compassion drives Jesus to say to all that will listen    28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

Jesus is asking you to make a trade.  He desires to take on anything you have and carry it for you. To obtain rest for yourself.  As you learn of Him, the more you will find that the compassion that Jesus desires to give is by the Grace of God.  The more you seek after Jesus, the more Grace is activated in your life for the favor of God to surround you even to your soul.

Discussion Point : If we allowed His compassion to flow through us, what would happen in the church? What would happen if we were driven by compassion to go after those...•

who have been hurt?•  who differed?•  who withdrew?•  who have been disturbed?•  who were critical?

 
The list could go on and on. But just think how many would have already been reconciled back into the fellowship of the church if we had been compassionate and gone after them. Just think how much less trouble would have happened if we had reached out in compassion when a difference first appeared.

 
The point is this: we are to let the compassion of Christ flow both in and through us. His compassion will comfort us when we differ and are disturbed; it will stir us to reach out in compassion when others differ and become disturbed. The compassion of Jesus Christ flowing in and through us keeps the unity of the church. It will also keep our minds together—keep them focused upon the needs of a world that must be reached and ministered to in compassion.

"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves" Romans 15:1.

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" Galatians 6:2.

Trait 6 Joy: there is the trait of joy. The believers in a church are to be concerned for each other's joy. The one thing that brings joy to a church quicker than anything else is unity.

"Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" (Phil. 2:2).

Strong's Number:4796 (sugcairo from 4862) and (5463) to rejoice with, take part in another's pleasure or inward strength, to enjoy benefits and rewards together, to share in and congratulate.
 

Paul's point is simple but direct: his joy in Christ would be fulfilled by only one thing—the unity of the Philippian church. The leaders and members of a church usually have joy in Christ, but their joy can be fulfilled only if unity exists between them. Joy is always disturbed when there is criticism, dissatisfaction, grumbling, murmuring, cliques, opposition, and a host of other negatives, actions and attitudes. 
 
Discussion Point:  What does the scripture points mean to you?

These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

 Discussion Point

We are to worship, plan, organize, program, build, staff, finance, minister, and serve in the joy of Christ. What does the following mean to you?

•  to be likeminded.

•  to have the same love.

•  to be of one accord.

•  to be of one mind.

"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (John 15:11).

"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full" (John 16:24).

"For the kingdom of God [the church] is not meat and drink; but righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Romans 14:17).

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Cor. 1:10).

"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you" (2 Cor. 13:11).

"Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephes. 4:3).