The call to become the servant rather than the master is Scriptural, and Christ-like. "...whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."
To sincere Christians, compassion is a verb, manifesting either as serving or giving; serving with no intention of being served, or giving with no desire to receive. The story of the Samaritan neighbor (Luke 10:30-37) is all about serving and giving.
Immediately after the story is the story of Mary and Martha, where Jesus highlights the priorities in Christian living. While serving and giving is advocated, quality time spent with God takes the first precedence.
When Jesus was received onto the sisters' home, Mary "sat at Jesus' feet and heard His Word. But Martha was distracted with much serving..."
It is not wrong to serve, especially when Jesus is the guest. But Jesus' response that "Mary has chosen that good part" makes time with God the priority over serving.
Serving, even in Christ's business, must not 'distract' us from spending time with the One we work for, nor should it 'cumber' us from growing in Christ through His Word.
The call to be a Neighbor is a noble one. The time spent in the Presence of Christ is much nobler. Only Christ can fill the heart with sincere compassion before one can become a sincere neighbor, where serving and giving is a lifestyle. From the outset, let this be clearly understood.
Be blessed.
