Webster defines Compassion as… “A deep awareness of, and
sympathy for another’s suffering. To show pity, love or mercy.”
The Bible defines Compassion as… being moved in your gut with pity.
Here’s how the Bible describes someone who is truly living for God:
Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
[Psalm 112:4]
Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without
expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be great and you will truly be acting as children of the most High. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”
[Luke 6:35-36]
If you really want to live the kind of life that God has called us to live, you’ve got to be known as people of compassion.
Our commitment to God is measured in our compassion to others.
Jesus traveled throughout all the towns and villages of the area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
[Matthew 9:35-36]
1. Compassion leads to ACTION
“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, not go and do the same.”
[Luke 10:33-37]
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and give his life as a ransom for many.”
[Matthew 20:28]
“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]
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
[Matthew 9:37-38]
2. Proximity creates compassion.
Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as
dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners.
[Matthew 9:10]
3. Compassion looks at a person’s condition not
their choices!
But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”. 12 When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor – sick people do.”
[Matthew 9:10-12]
All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”
[John 8:7]