Compassion For All?

I recently heard a sermon that reminded me why we (Love Russia) do what we do. Our work isn’t just about providing resources - it’s about embodying God’s compassion, seen time and again in the Bible in moments of both rescue and mercy.

Compassion in the wider context...

One powerful example is when religious leaders brought Jesus a woman caught in adultery. Rather than condemning her, He said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” Jesus acknowledged her sin, but chose mercy over judgment, showing compassion to someone vulnerable and shamed.

In today’s world, it's tempting to see certain people groups as “the bad guys”. But we’re called to something greater. Psalm 145:8-9 reminds us, “The Lord is gracious and compassionate… The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.” Not some — all.

That includes people caught up in war, those hurting, confused, or even supportive of actions we don’t understand. God’s mercy isn’t reserved for those we think deserve it. And neither should ours be.

Compassion in action through our work...

It’s also tempting to shun people who’ve made bad choices.

Nastya is a mum who came with her two children to the Crisis Centre a couple of years ago. She struggled with addiction – a struggle that developed as a result of the sexual abuse in both her teens and as an adult. Her daughter needed specialist medical care for health issues she was born with, and mum Nastya discovered she had cancer. Despite her challenges, she began to thrive at the centre and her children even learned to dance.

Tragically, after a year of sobriety, her demons re-emerged – she left the centre and her girls, and for the last year we've prayed for her safety and return. We thank God that throughout this her two girls have been cared for by Alina.

In these situations we are called to reflect God’s mercy — to look at people’s pain before assigning blame. To see suffering, to acknowledge humanity, and to respond with love and prayer.

In the time Nastya was missing, we knew that on her return she would be welcomed back at the Women’s Crisis Centre and received with absolute compassion.

During the time of writing this article we received word that Nastya had returned, but only briefly - still very ill, struggling with addiction, and now in the late stages of cancer.

Please pray for this mother and her two daughters; for Nastya to return again, accept help and rest in the knowledge she is loved by God and those at the centre. Pray also for the future of these girls and the foster care they'll need when they lose their mum permanently.

The world is complex but our response doesn’t have to be. Let’s serve with the heart of Christ: seeing suffering first and lifting people up who are hurting.