Compass, Compassion, and Passion for International Missions.

Luke 23:39–43
39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

I used to teach Children Sunday school, so let me begin with a story about the Athenian Senate in Ancient Greece.

The Athenian Senate met regularly in an open amphitheater. There was a wealthy, herculean, and shrewd senator who eloquently delivered a speech. At the same time, a pigeon pursued by a hawk flew in the direction of the Senate. The pigeon, being closely chased by the bird of prey, sought shelter in the bosom of this speaking senator. He, with a mocking pity, took the bird from his bosom, dashed it on the ground and so killed it. The whole Senate rose in uproar, and without one single dissenting voice (a very rare occasion for the Athenian Senate), condemned him to die, as being unworthy of a seat in the Senate with them, or to be called an Athenian, since he did not render compassion to a creature that confided in him.