What does the Bible say about compassion?

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." —Colossians 3:12 (NLT)

The Bible speaks of compassion quite often, so it's important to understand what it means and what it looks like in a practical sense. The Hebrew and Greek words which are translated to "compassion" mean to have mercy, sympathy, or pity for the suffering or circumstances of another.

Compassion is closely related to mercy, which is an undeserved grace. People shouldn't need to "earn" our compassion. Rather, we ought to practice compassion because it's right to care about those who suffer (Hebrews 10:24).

God's Compassion

"You, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness." —Psalm 86:15 (NLT)

God's compassion is infinite and eternal. He is impartial in His love and mercy, and that applies to us too (Romans 5:8; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:8). We shouldn't withhold compassion or mercy due to bias, anger, or bitterness. This includes our interactions with others—from how we forgive, to how we set boundaries, to how we handle toxic relationships (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Jesus was the ultimate example of living a life of compassion for others (Matthew 15:32; John 3:17). When His friends grieved over the death of their Lazarus, His compassion for their sorrow overwhelmed Him so much that He wept with them (John 11:33-35). When those who suffered came to Him to be healed, Jesus' compassion sparked healing miracles (Matthew 14:14; Mark 1:40-41).

Practical Compassion

"'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." —Matthew 22:37-40 (NLT)

Of course, like many things that don't always come naturally, compassion may take some time and practice to develop. We aren't going to always feel compassionate toward others—especially if they've hurt or betrayed us (Romans 7:14-25). The life of the Christian is a constant battle between our sinful responses and our new identity in Christ (Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

"If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God's love be in that person?" —1 John 3:17 (NLT)

Truly, when Jesus gave us the command to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love one another as much as we love ourselves, He simplified everything it means to be a follower of Christ (Matthew 22:34-40). To love our neighbor as ourselves doesn't mean that we think of ourselves as lesser than anyone else. It means that we care about others' needs just as much as we care about our own. Love and compassion for others are the natural results of our continued loving devotion toward God (1 John 4:20).

Learning Compassion: A Story from JohnRaz

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." —Hebrews 10:24 (NLT)

I became a Christian when I was 17, and it took me awhile to want to go to church. God had put in me a desire to be with other believers, but I hadn't joined a consistent community yet. One day at work, He showed me one of the many good reasons for being in regular fellowship with believers: motivating one another to love and do good works (Hebrews 10:24).

My boss was talking to a customer who said he was going to a funeral. My immediate thought was something along the lines of "Who cares?" My next thought was without words—utter devastation. How could I think that? Where was my compassion? Because I hadn't been spending time around other healthy believers, my compassion for humanity had dwindled to almost nothing.

Through that small, short experience, God showed me why we need to be surrounded by those who love Him—instead of those who love the world. Not only do I need others to cause ME to be moved toward compassion, but I also need my OWN life and actions to inspire the world to be moved toward compassion.

Every time we choose compassion over bitterness, anger, or a desire for revenge, we grow and mature our faith a little bit more. Even if it doesn't come naturally right away, we can still exercise self-control over our responses and choose kindness, forgiveness, and compassion.

"Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." —Philippians 2:4 (NLT)

ALSO SEE:

• How to Love
• What is the grace of God?
• How can I be a good Christian?
• Who counts as my neighbor?
• What is love as a fruit of the Spirit?
• How can I love a person if I do not like them?
• How can I stop judging people?
• How can I stop blaming others?
• Why does God allow the innocent to suffer?
• Why does God allow sickness?
• Why does God allow natural disasters?
• What does the Bible say about dealing with mean people?
• What does the Bible say about dealing with toxic relationships?
• How to Have Healthy Boundaries
• How do I stand up for myself in a godly way?
• How can I forgive those who sin against me?