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When we have compassion, we not are not just aware of someone’s need, but there is also a desire, with action behind it, to bring relief or change to their circumstances. Something within us genuinely cares that they are left in a better state than we first encountered them.
From Scripture, we see that Jesus was moved with compassion. Consider the following:
Matthew 9:35-36 (NKJV) states: Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.
Matthew 14:13-14 (NKJV) states: When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
Mark 1:40-41 (NKJV) states: Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
In all of the accounts above, Jesus saw the needs of others and He did something about it to bring change. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to follow the example of Jesus and also be moved with compassion. When others are going through their trials and struggles, or just plain weary from life, here are just a few ways we can give of ourselves and show compassion:
- Be kind
Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV) states: And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. - Be a listening ear
James 1:19 (NKJV) states: So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; - Find a way to serve them
Galatians 5:13 (NKJV) states: For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. - Encourage them
Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV) states: Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
When we are moved with compassion, we help others experience God’s goodness. When we are moved with compassion, we help others experience God’s mercy. And when we are moved with compassion, we help others experience God’s love.
1 John 3:16 (NKJV) states: By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
Except where indicated, scripture references are from the American Standard Version (ASV), Darby Translation (DARBY), or King James Version (KJV) – all public domains.
