“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36
What is Compassion?
Merriam-Webster defines compassion as—sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.
Feeling sorry says, “Something should be done…” Compassion says, “I must do something!”
Others define it as—a feeling of distress and pity for the suffering or misfortune of another, often including the desire to alleviate it
There is a difference between feeling sorry for someone and feeling compassion, but it’s not just a feeling. The feeling is combined with a desire to help. Because we have compassion, we want to take action and help those who are suffering. Feeling sorry says, “Something should be done…” Compassion says, “I must do something!”
The word compassion or compassion in action, shows up continually throughout Scripture:
- Compassion is an attribute of God (Psalm 86:15; 103:13)
- Compassion is commanded by God (Zech 7:9; Col. 3:12)
- Compassion pleases God (Hebrews 13:16)
- Compassion is part of the fruit of our salvation (1 John 3:17)
- When we show compassion to others, we show compassion to Christ (Matt. 25:35-40)
Jesus is the ultimate example of compassion. Everywhere He went, His compassion compelled Him to respond to the needs of the people He encountered. Compassion moved Him to feed the hungry (Mark 8:2-3; 6-8) and heal the sick (Matt. 14:14). Jesus was always looking to show compassion to the people around Him.
Compassion is a call to action—Jesus felt and then acted. In order to be like Jesus, we must feel and act.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:37-38)
Compassion prompts action. When we look at the lost and hurting around us, compassion should cause us to take action. We can’t sit back and watch others have compassion because they are better at it than we are. We have to do something. Compassion allows us to meet people right where they are.
What kind of action does compassion compel us to take?
- Pray For Compassion
To be people of Christ like compassion, we must pray to become people of compassion. This sounds like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at how many people do not do this. Ask God to make you increasingly sensitive to the needs of others; ask Him for a sensitive heart and a sensitive spirit for the hurting and the lost. If you ask, he will give it to you.
- Pray With Compassion
When we see a need, our first action should be prayer. “Father, how can I help?” “Father, use me to meet this person’s need.” Father, I pray that you would bring wholeness to this person.” Our prayers should encompass a heart of compassion. One that is desperate to see their situation resolved.
Let compassion take you where God wants you to go, let it stir your heart for the people around you, and let it cause you to show Jesus to those you encounter.
- Use it; Don’t lose it
Compassion without action amounts to little more than wishful thinking. The primary reason people become less compassionate is because they do not act on the compassion they have. If you use it, it will grow. If you don’t, it will die.
The whole Bible is a compassion narrative. From Genesis to Revelation, we see God’s continual compassion for His people in spite of our disobedience. He continually pursues us pouring out His grace and compassion in order that we might have relationship with Him. Don’t stand on the sidelines feeling sorry for those who are hurting. Let compassion take you where God wants you to go, let it stir your heart for the people around you, and let it cause you to show Jesus to those you encounter.
