The Bible has a lot to say about compassion. At its essence, compassion is caring for others and wanting to relieve their suffering. As Christians, we are called to be compassionate just as God is compassionate towards us. Here is an overview of some of the major Bible passages that deal with compassion:
Old Testament Teachings on Compassion
The Old Testament law commanded compassion for the poor and needy. For example, Deuteronomy 15:7-8 says, “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.” Similarly, Leviticus 25:35 states, “If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them.”
God’s compassion is highlighted in passages like Psalm 145:8-9: “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” As God’s people, the Israelites were to model God’s compassionate character.
The prophets frequently rebuked Israel for their lack of compassion. Ezekiel 16:49 says that the sins of Sodom included the fact that “She did not help the poor and needy.” Amos 5:11-12 condemns the people for trampling on the poor and imposing heavy taxes on them. God wanted compassion, not oppression of the underprivileged.
Overall, the Old Testament portrayed compassion as an essential virtue that the people of God must exhibit towards others. It reflects God’s care and concern for those suffering and in need.
Jesus’ Emphasis on Compassion
In the Gospels, Jesus consistently modeled compassion during his earthly ministry. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and touched the outcasts of society. Mark 6:34 says “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” Jesus cared deeply about people’s needs.
Jesus told numerous parables emphasizing the need for compassion. In the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), a Samaritan man helps an injured victim when religious leaders walk by unconcerned. This illustrates how compassion should extend to all in need, regardless of ethnic or social differences. In Matthew 18:23-35, an unforgiving servant is condemned for failing to show mercy, just as he had received mercy. The parables teach compassion even towards undeserving sinners, just as God has had on us.
Importantly, Jesus linked love for God directly with compassionate action towards others. Matthew 25:31-46 says that at the final judgment, the righteous will be commended for feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting prisoners. Jesus teaches that compassion demonstrated through deeds is an essential part of obedience to God.
Compassion in the Epistles
The New Testament epistles continue the emphasis on compassion. James 1:27 defines true religion as caring for widows and orphans in their distress. 1 John 3:17 says that if we have material possessions and see a brother in need but have no pity on him, then God’s love is not in us. Compassion is a concrete expression of love.
Paul urges Christians to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15), showing empathy with others. Colossians 3:12 commands God’s people to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Believers are to reflect the compassion of Christ in their relationships.
Galatians 6:2 says to carry each other’s burdens, while 1 Peter 3:8 tells us to be sympathetic and compassionate toward one another. Compassion in the church enables bearing one another’s loads.
Overall, the New Testament epistles clearly present compassion as a virtue Christians must actively demonstrate, not merely admire in theory. It is a practical implication of loving others.
Examples of Compassion
The Bible highlights compassionate acts as models for our behavior. For example, the Good Samaritan went far out of his way to care for the robbed and beaten man on the roadside (Luke 10:25-37). Dorcas helped the poor and widows in Joppa with gifts of clothing (Acts 9:36-39). Onesiphorus actively sought out Paul during his imprisonment to minister to him (2 Timothy 1:16-18). These specific examples of compassion illustrate what it should look like in action.
We also find beautiful examples of compassion in Jesus. He had compassion on the grief-stricken widows whose sons had died (Luke 7:11-15) and earnestly desired to comfort Mary and Martha after Lazarus’ death (John 11:1-44). He took time for isolated lepers (Luke 17:11-19), restored sight to blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52), and welcomed children, even against the disciples’ objections (Mark 10:13-16). Jesus’ ministry abundantly revealed God’s compassion in the midst of human weakness, suffering and need.
Why Should We Be Compassionate?
The Bible gives several motivations for showing compassion:
1. It reflects God’s character. As children of God, we are called to imitate our Father’s compassion (Luke 6:35-36, Ephesians 5:1-2).
2. It follows Christ’s example. Jesus consistently demonstrated compassion during His earthly ministry through healing, feeding, teaching, and caring for the marginalized. We are to walk as He walked (1 John 2:6).
3. It fulfills God’s commandments (1 John 3:16-18, James 1:27, Colossians 3:12). Showing compassion is part of our obedience to God.
4. It validates our faith. Only actions stemming from sincere faith please God (James 2:14-17). Compassion demonstrates our faith is alive.
5. It results in eternal reward (Matthew 25:34-40). At the final judgment, our deeds of compassion will prove our faith was genuine.
6. It enables us to imitate God’s mercy and grace, which we have freely received (Matthew 18:21-35, Luke 6:36).
In summary, displaying compassion pleases God, strengthens our Christian witness, obeys Scripture, and models God’s own gracious character. It should characterize all who call themselves Christ’s followers.
How Can We Cultivate Compassion?
The Bible not only commands compassion – it also gives practical ways to grow in this area:
1. Reflect on God’s compassion toward you (1 John 4:10-11, Ephesians 2:1-5). Remembering how God has had mercy on us stimulates compassion for others.
2. Pray for God to give you His heart of compassion (Psalm 86:15, Lamentations 3:22). Ask Him to fill you with love and mercy each day.
3. Expose yourself to people’s needs (Matthew 9:35-38). Go and observe where the broken-hearted are and allow your heart to feel their pain.
4. Spend time listening to people (James 1:19). Show interest in their experiences and struggles. Don’t just talk.
5. Give generously to help relieve suffering (1 John 3:17-18, James 2:14-17). Tangible gifts meet tangible needs.
6. Offer hands-on assistance (Galatians 6:2, Hebrews 13:16). Get practically involved in compassionate acts. Don’t remain aloof.
7. Work to remove injustice that causes suffering (Proverbs 31:8-9). Seek civic and social justice so the needy are defended.
8. Welcome outsiders and those unlike you (Luke 10:25-37, Romans 12:13). Practice hospitality and embrace diversity.
9. Train children in compassion (Ephesians 6:4, Proverbs 22:6). Instill these values early on in the next generation.
10. Ask for God’s help in seeing others’ needs (Psalm 119:36). Pray for His divine perspective and sensitive spirit.
As we diligently pursue growth in the area of compassion, we can become more like Christ and powerfully express God’s love to a hurting world.
Pitfalls and Dangers Regarding Compassion
While compassion is clearly a virtue, we must also be aware of potential pitfalls to avoid:
1. Apathy. Hardened hearts ignore suffering and violate Christ’s example (1 John 3:17).
2. Judgmental attitudes. Feeling morally superior because “I helped when they made bad choices.” But we too are sinners saved by grace.
3. Enabling harmful behaviors. We should address root causes of suffering, not just alleviate immediate symptoms.
4. Excessive cautiousness about being scammed. It’s better to risk being deceived than to not help some in genuine need (Proverbs 19:17).
5. Compassion fatigue. We should monitor ourselves to stay energized to keep loving deeply over the long-haul.
6. Neglecting self-care. Setting healthy boundaries and taking Sabbath rests equips us to keep showing compassion.
7. Comparison. Each person’s capacity for compassion differs. Keep your eyes fixed on Christ’s example, not others.
8. Politicization of compassion. As Christians, we show compassion to all people, even across political divisions.
9. Self-righteousness. Avoid thinking “I really showed compassion” and becoming prideful (Matthew 6:2-4).
10. Trusting human compassion over God’s. Man’s compassion is limited and imperfect. We need to rely fully on God’s endless compassion.
In all, displaying Christ-like compassion requires great wisdom, discernment, humility, and dependency on God. We should hold this ideal with an open hand, not clinging to our own righteous deeds but resting in God’s perfect compassion.
Bible Stories that Demonstrate Compassion
Here are some key Bible stories that illustrate compassion in action:
– The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) – A despised Samaritan cares for a Jewish victim of robbery when religious elite walk on by.
– Jesus Heals a Leper (Mark 1:40-42) – Moved with compassion, Jesus touches an untouchable leper and heals him.
– The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) – The father shows unexpected compassion by embracing his wayward son and celebrating his return.
– Abigail Intervenes for Nabal (1 Samuel 25) – Abigail provides for David’s men and persuades David not to take revenge on foolish Nabal.
– Ruth and Boaz (Book of Ruth) – In compassion, Boaz helps the widowed, impoverished Ruth by allowing her to glean in his fields.
– The Widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17) – Jesus raises a widow’s son from the dead, having compassion on her grief.
– Dorcas Helps Widows (Acts 9:36-42) – Dorcas impacts her community by making robes and clothing for widows in need.
– Onesiphorus Visits Paul (2 Timothy 1:16-18) – Unlike others, Onesiphorus diligently seeks out Paul in prison and ministers to him.
– Job Comforts the Grieving (Job 30:25) – Job says he wept for those who struggled, showing deep empathy for the suffering.
– Nehemiah Aids the Oppressed (Nehemiah 5) – Nehemiah acts decisively to stop the exploitation of the poor in Judah.
Attributes that Allow Compassion to Flourish
Certain spiritual traits create capacity for greater compassion:
– Empathy – Identifying emotionally with another’s pain
– Sympathy – Entering into their suffering and grief
– Mercy – Caring response even when severe justice could be enacted
– Humility – Seeing ourselves as no better than the other
– Altruism – Sincere concern for the wellbeing of others
– Generosity – Willingness to give time, money, and resources
– Wisdom – Discerning how to effectively demonstrate compassion
– Courage – Ability to act even at personal discomfort or risk
– Perseverance – Steadfast commitment even in face of opposition
– Gentleness – Touching lives tenderly and delicately in their suffering
– Patience – Compassion that endures and remains steadfast
– Selflessness – Focusing on others’ interests rather than our own
As these traits increase through the Spirit’s work, our capacity for compassion expands.
Old Testament Groups Needing Compassion
Certain vulnerable groups in ancient Israel specially required compassion:
– Widows – Often poor with minimal social status or legal protections
– Orphans – No parents or family to care for their needs
– Foreigners – Estranged from clan ties and land inheritance rights
– Poor – Unable to meet basic food, clothing, and shelter needs
– Sick – Incapacitated from gainful work and care
– Disabled – Physical limitations preventing independent living
– Oppressed – Exploited by the rich and powerful
– Childless – Considered a mark of divine disfavor
– Lepers – Isolated from community due to skin disease
– Elderly – Weakness due to age reduced their independence
God’s law commanded compassion be shown to these disadvantaged groups through practical aid and inclusion within the covenant community. Their wellbeing depended on the obedience of God’s people to care for them.
New Testament Groups Needing Compassion
The New Testament also highlights specific groups needing compassion:
– Outcasts – Tax collectors, prostitutes, Samaritans, lepers
– Sinners – Ruined lives needing new start, forgiveness
– Poor – Beggars, disabled, widows, orphans
– Sick – Lepers, bleeding, paralyzed, possessed, deaf
– Demon-oppressed – Suffering spiritual affliction
– Grieving – Broken by death, tragedy, loss
– Hungry – Lacking basic food and nourishment
– Strangers – Foreigners, refugees, travelers
– Prisoners – Bound, accused, condemned
– Persecuted – Harassed, ostracized, condemned for faith
– Women – Devalued in society, denied opportunities
– Children – Most vulnerable, in need of protection
– Enemies – Those hostile and opposed to the gospel
Jesus and the apostles call us to show compassion to all – even those considered unworthy by society’s standards. As God’s children, we are to imitate His boundless compassion.
Examples of Compassion in the Church
Throughout history, Christians have demonstrated compassion in ministry to others:
– Establishing hospitals – Treating illnesses, caring for physical needs
– Building orphanages – Housing abandoned and parentless children
– Feeding the impoverished – Addressing hunger through bread lines or food pantries
– Rescuing the trafficked – Freeing victims of forced prostitution and labor
– Teaching literacy – Empowering through access to education
– Providing disaster relief – Meeting desperate needs created by catastrophes
– Starting nonprofits – Loving practically in a thousand creative ways
– Housing refugees – Protecting the displaced and fleeing
– Pursuing prison reform – Improving inhumane conditions, offering second chances
– Counseling grieving – Providing comfort after tragedy and loss
– Caring for widows – Ensuring their needs are met
– Defending rights – Advocating for social justice
Such outreach follows Christ’s pattern of compassion expressing God’s redemptive love in action. When His disciples serve the “least of these”, they do so unto Him.
Compassion is an Essential Mark of True Faith
Throughout Scripture, compassion stands out as a preeminent virtue and distinguishing mark of genuine faith:
– Micah 6:8 – God requires that we act justly and show mercy.
– Proverbs 19:17 – Whoever cares for the poor lends to the Lord.
– Matthew 25:31-46 – The sheep served Christ by caring for those in need.
– James 1:27 – True religion visits orphans and widows in affliction.
– 1 John 3:17 – If we shut our heart to a brother’s need, God’s love is not in us.
– Luke 10:25-37 – The Good Samaritan illustrates neighbor-love crossing social barriers.
– Matthew 9:13 – God desires mercy not mere external religious duty.
– Colossians 3:12 – As God’s chosen ones, clothe yourselves with compassion.
– Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens and fulfill Christ’s law.
– Romans 12:15 – Rejoice and weep together; show true empathy.
According to Jesus, loving God and neighbor sums up all the law and prophets (Matthew 22:37-40). Practical compassion marks those who truly follow Him. It is woven into the fabric of biblical faith.