This is the subject of a post on Grant Thiessen’s Blog and it poses a very interesting point! Grant states that evangelism is about “Presence and Participation.”

That is a good definition. Unless and until we are “there” in a person’s life, we have done little toward bringing that person to Jesus. It is certain that the people we deal with can recognize our true agenda. If we are just trying to get them into our local congregation to increase the numbers, that cold attitude is going to bleed through the facade of concern that we place in front of us.

A friend from 40 years ago once told me (about the inmates that we were going to visit in the jail), “These people will KNOW whether or not you really LOVE them.” In retrospect, I realize that he was gently chastising me for my “Just do it” attitude – and trying to build in me a true love for the souls of men and women with whom we had the opportunity to share God’s love.

My particular “take” on this is that the LEAST measure of agape’ love is that we can sincerely say that we do not want that person to die and go to the lake of fire.

A second measure is that of COMPASSION. Here is a list of some similar words and their definitions (according to the American Standard Dictionary by Waldo). The terms are ordered from the least to the greatest:

• Pity is a somewhat negative emotion concerning the plight of another (it somehow suggests that the person deserves their situation). We may look at a homeless person, pity them, assume that they are a drug addict and move on.
• Sympathy is often more positive but does not suggest an emotional involvement in the other person’s situation. We generally just send a card.
• Empathy is the response of having been there. The old Indian Chief said that you could not use that term until you have walked a mile in MY moccasins. It tends to evoke feelings. When we have experienced the same problems, the result of that experience will determine our involvement in the present situation. If we got through our trouble but it left a root of bitterness, then we will likely just feel sympathy for the “poor slob” who is currently facing the same trouble. There is also a tendency to BLAME someone. However, if we found Godly wisdom (James 3:13-18 NIV) in our trial and recognized that there was a REASON for it (James 1:4, NIV), then we will want to share in the current situation and show compassion to those who are suffering.
• Compassion is what God is known for (the word is used 87 times in the NIV, all but a few describe our Father). It is what Jesus showed to those in need:

Matthew 15:32 (NIV) Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”

Compassion may or may not be the result of empathy. Although it helps, it is not essential that one has experienced exactly the same problem in order to show compassion. The distinguishing point of compassion is the willingness to HELP. Look at the way Jesus moved from the people’s need to his desire for them (and consequently, the effect of fulfilling that need).

Evangelism is another word for “I want to help.”