A Note from Michael Gossett
The Compassion Test
As the New Year begins, we’re often drawn to the idea of resolutions. It is one of the most popular topics at this time of year! Everyone during this time wants to improve in many areas of their lives. Every year, the resolutions seem to be the same: Lose weight, get into shape, eat better, exercise more, read more, and become better in the realm of work-life balance. Some use this as an opportunity to make commitments to improve their overall quality of life and make the best use of their time. For believers, I believe this season serves as an opportunity to reflect not just on our goals professionally but the condition of our hearts spiritually.
Few historical examples illustrate the power of godly resolutions better than those of Jonathan Edwards. Edwards is one of the most influential theologians of the time of the Great Awakening. He was just 19 years old when he began writing his Resolutions in 1722. Over the course of a year, he penned 70 resolutions, ranging from personal discipline to spiritual growth and dependence on God. They were not mere goals for self-improvement but deeply rooted commitments to live a life glorifying God.
Jonathan Edwards said, “Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ’s sake.” Some of his resolutions reflected an intense focus on eternity, such as Resolution 5: “Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.” Other resolutions were based on his personal commitment to holiness, as in Resolution 56: “Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.”
These Resolutions from Edwards give us a clear example of a heart that yearns to be shaped by Christ and His Word. They also help us understand the difference between resolutions that are focused on temporal things and those focused on eternal ones. However, after reading Edward’s resolutions, I noticed one theme that seems to stand out: a commitment to love. In fact, Resolution 31 reads: “Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor and of love to mankind.”
Last week’s article explored the “Commandment Test” from 1 John 2:3–6, which teaches that obedience to God’s commands is evidence of genuine faith. Wediscovered that true obedience flows from a heart that has been transformed by the truth of Jesus, rooted in love for Jesus, and results in a life marked by consistency with the example of Jesus. According to Paul in Ephesians 5, we are to be imitators of God and walk in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us (Ephesians 5:1-2). As we see in 1 John, the Apostle doesn’t end at obedience. He continues on with the theme of loving others well. Today, we turn to the Compassion Test in 1 John 2:7–11. In this passage, John teaches us to examine our faith by how we love others. If obedience is the fruit of knowing Christ, love is the flower that blooms and displays the beauty of God’s love to the world. True love reflects the light of Christ and reveals whether we are walking in the light or stumbling in the darkness.
As we step into a new year, the example of Jonathan Edwards can serve us as inspiration to consider our own resolutions. While goals like improving our health, careers, fitness, nutrition, or relationships have value, the highest resolution we can make is to love others well. The Apostle John emphasizes this truth in 1 John 2:7–11, where he presents what we might call the Compassion Test. This test can help us know whether or not we are truly walking with the Lord. 1 John 2:10 says, “The one who loves his brother or sister remains in the light.”
When John writes, “I am not writing you a new command but an old command that you have had from the beginning” (1 John 2:7), he connects love to the foundation of God’s moral law. The command to love one’s neighbor first appears in Leviticus 19:18: “Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.” This command is inseparable from God’s covenant with His people, reflecting His holiness and His call for His people to imitate Him.
1 John 2:8 says, “Yet I am writing you a new command, which is true in Him and in you.”Here, John emphasizes that the command to love takes on a new dimension in Christ. In His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus extended an example and His authority to everyone who follows Him. John 13:34 says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.” What makes this command new is its Christ-centered focus. It is no longer sufficient to love as we love ourselves; we are now called to love as Christ has loved us—with sacrificial, self-giving love. Richard Sibbes said, “The law of love is the soul of the laws of Christ; it carries all other duties with it.” Simply put, without love, all other commands are impossible to fulfill. John Owen teaches something similar when he says, “The soul that is deeply in love with Christ is greatly changed in His image.” Paul teaches the same idea in Galatians 5:14, which says, “For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love is the fulfillment of the law because it reflects the character of God, who is the source of all light and life. Paul, as well as both of these Puritan preachers, recognizes that it is only in Christ and it is a love for Christ that we can live as Christ lived and love as He loved.
One of the most difficult things for you and me to do inside and outside the church is to love one another in this way. Loving others is difficult, which is why the Apostle John wrote so much about it, Jesus taught on it, Jesus lived it, and Jesus commanded it. This new command of loving one another is going to serve as the gospel in the flesh to a degree. Everyone who is going to see the church, will see the love of Jesus and will understand more deeply the gospel of Jesus Christ. 1 John 2:10 says, “The one who loves his brother or sister remains in the light.” How do you stay out of darkness and in the light? Love one another! Love is what makes the church visible because it is love that is fueling the light to overcome darkness. No matter what takes place in the church or around the church, darkness will not and cannot overcome the light.
Love serves as the most basic understanding and indication that we truly belong to Christ. Paul writes in Romans 5:5: “God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Those who belong to Christ have been regenerated, which is the true transformation of our hearts. This transformation enables us to love selflessly, sacrificially, and compassionately.
This compassion test does not give a lot of “neutral ground” to stand on. John’s teaching leaves no room for ambiguity: love and hate are mutually exclusive. “We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers and sisters. The one who does not love remains in death” (1 John 3:14). This stark dichotomy reflects the biblical worldview, where there is no neutral ground in the spiritual battle between light and darkness. Jesus taught the same thing. In Matthew 12:30, Jesus made it clear that whoever is not with me is against me. To love is to align oneself with God’s Kingdom; to hate is to align oneself with the forces of sin and death. How do you match up with the compassion test? As you examine your own heart, faith, and love toward Christ, write down one resolution that you will commit to this year. Make the resolution remind you of the love we are called to for those around us. In the words of John Lennon, “All you need is love.”
Questions to Consider:
- How does your love for others reflect Christ’s love for you?
- Are there relationships in your life marked by resentment or bitterness? How can you begin to reconcile?
- What practical steps can you take to love someone sacrificially this week?
- Do your actions of love align with your profession of faith?
- How does the Holy Spirit empower you to love beyond your natural ability?
Prayer:
Lord, your love has transformed my life. Teach me to love others as you have loved me. Remove any bitterness or hatred from my heart and replace it with compassion and grace. Empower me by your Spirit to walk in the light of your truth and to reflect your love in all I do. Amen.
YEAR-END CHRISTMAS GIFT!
As we approach the end of another incredible year, I want to take a moment to reflect on God’s faithfulness in and through our church. Together, we have seen lives transformed by the truth of Jesus Christ. Through your generosity, people have connected to Jesus and His Church, grown in His likeness, and multiplied their impact for His Purpose! It has been so exciting to see every ministry initiative take place throughout the past year, and it is because of your faithfulness and generosity. Lives are being changed because of your continued financial support and prayers for God’s work.
As we conclude this year, I’m inviting you to prayerfully consider a year-end gift to further the work of the Gospel. This is not just about meeting a financial need-it’s about stepping into the mission that God has called us to: transforming lives with the truth of Jesus. Throughout Scripture, we see God’s people called to joyful and sacrificial giving. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul reminds us: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” When we give, we are imitating the generosity of our Savior, who gave everything for us. Your gift is a tangible act of worship and an expression of your trust in God’s provision.
For generations, the Church has been built upon the generosity of believers who gave sacrificially so that others might hear the good news of Jesus. From the early church in Acts, who “had everything in common” (Acts 2:44-45), to faithful saints throughout history, to the Saints of Green Acres Baptist Church in 1955, all the way to YOU today! God’s people have always used their resources to advance His Kingdom. Now, it’s our turn to be part of this legacy.
As we close the year, would you join us in prayerfully considering how God might use your generosity to expand His Kingdom? What if we made our greatest Christmas gift back to the Lord? Whether it’s a one-time gift, an above-and-beyond contribution, or a commitment to regular giving in the new year, every act of faith-filled generosity makes an eternal impact.
For your convenience, there are several ways that you can give:
- You can give securely online at GABC.org/give
- Through the Green Acres App
- Or by mailing your gift to 1607 Troup HWY. Tyler, Texas 75701.
Thank you for your faithfulness, church family. Let’s finish this year strong together as we continue transforming lives with the truth of Jesus.
Next fall, October 26-November 4, 2025, Katie and I will lead a group on one of the most impactful trips you will ever experience! You will get to see the sites of Paul’s second missionary journey. As we’ve all studied the New Testament for years, we may feel very “familiar” with Paul’s journey. The scriptures come to life as we step into the places where these events occurred! It is here that we will learn about the Apostle Paul’s laser focus on making disciples for Christ. Join us on this trip of a lifetime! You can sign up here! Space is limited, so please sign up as early as possible. Register HERE!
THIS SUNDAY!
I am so excited to announce to you that Pastor David Dykes will be preaching at 9:30 am and 11:00 am at our Tyler Campus. Ring in the new year with us at Green Acres and get the new year started right! I know this message from Pastor David will bless you as you and I both work to align our resolutions to match the love we have for Christ and for one another!
You are loved and prayed for!
Michael Gossett