The Demonic Distortion of Compassion: A Warning for Christians

Killing Them Softly: The Demonic Distortion of Compassion

My dear fellow believers,

As we navigate through the current state of the world, it is more important than ever to understand the ways in which Satan works to distort the virtues that we are called to embody as followers of Christ. In particular, we must be aware of the demonic distortion of compassion and how it can lead us down a dangerous path.

The Nature of Compassion

Compassion is a virtue that is often praised in our society. It is seen as a sign of empathy and kindness, and is often associated with acts of charity and service. However, as Christians, we must understand that compassion is not simply a feeling. Rather, it is an action that is rooted in love and seeks to alleviate the suffering of others.

Compassion is a virtue that is deeply ingrained in the character of God. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God’s compassion towards his people, even in the face of their disobedience and rebellion. In Isaiah 49:15, God says, “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” This verse shows us the depth of God’s compassion and how it extends even to those who are undeserving of it.

As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this same compassion in our interactions with others. In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” These actions are all rooted in compassion, and they demonstrate our love for others and our desire to alleviate their suffering.

The Demonic Distortion of Compassion

While compassion is a virtue that is praised in our society, Satan has found a way to distort it and use it to further his own agenda. This demonic distortion of compassion is subtle, but it is also dangerous, as it can lead us down a path of destruction.

One of the ways in which Satan distorts compassion is by turning it into a form of moral relativism. In this view, compassion becomes the ultimate virtue, and all other virtues are subordinated to it. This can lead to a situation where anything that is seen as “compassionate” is deemed morally right, regardless of its actual moral content.

For example, let us consider the issue of abortion. Those who support abortion often frame their position in terms of compassion, arguing that it is compassionate to allow women to have control over their bodies and to avoid bringing unwanted children into the world. However, this view ignores the fact that abortion involves the taking of an innocent human life, and that such a practice is morally wrong. By framing the issue in terms of compassion, Satan has distorted the moral reality of the situation and has led many astray.

Another way in which Satan distorts compassion is by turning it into a form of self-righteousness. In this view, compassion becomes a way for individuals to feel good about themselves and to signal their virtue to others. This can lead to a situation where individuals engage in acts of charity and service not out of a genuine desire to help others, but rather out of a desire to be seen as compassionate and virtuous.

Jesus warns against this type of self-righteousness in Matthew 6:1-4, where he says, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

The Way Forward

So, how do we navigate through this demonic distortion of compassion? First and foremost, we must understand that compassion is not the ultimate virtue. While it is an important virtue that we are called to embody as followers of Christ, it is not the only virtue. We must also strive to embody virtues such as truth, justice, and righteousness.

Secondly, we must be wary of any attempts to turn compassion into a form of moral relativism. We must understand that there are objective moral truths that cannot be ignored or distorted in the name of compassion. As Christians, we must always strive to uphold these moral truths, even in the face of societal pressure to do otherwise.

Finally, we must guard against the temptation to engage in acts of charity and service out of a desire for self-righteousness. We must always remember that our acts of compassion should be motivated by a genuine desire to help others and to alleviate their suffering, rather than a desire to be seen as compassionate and virtuous.

Conclusion

As we continue to navigate through a world that is often hostile to the virtues that we are called to embody as followers of Christ, it is important that we remain vigilant against the demonic distortion of compassion. We must understand that compassion is not the ultimate virtue, and we must be wary of any attempts to turn it into a form of moral relativism or self-righteousness. By remaining rooted in the truth of God’s Word and by seeking to embody all of the virtues that we are called to, we can continue to be a light in a world that is often shrouded in darkness.

References

• Isaiah 49:15


• Matthew 25:35-36


• Matthew 6:1-4