S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The Hebrew and Greek words translated "compassion" in the Bible mean "to have mercy, to feel sympathy and to have pity." We know that, according to the Bible, God is "a compassionate and gracious G...

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July 01 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does the Bible say about compassion?

The Bible consistently teaches that compassion is a core attribute of God and a fundamental virtue that believers are commanded to practice daily. It involves a deep empathy for others' suffering and a proactive desire to alleviate it.

The loving example of Jesus Christ perfectly modelled divine compassion during His earthly ministry, frequently being "moved with compassion" for those in need. Examples include showing compassion for large crowds, teaching them, and healing the sick (Matthew 9:36, Matthew 14:14), and showing specific pity to individuals, such as a widow and blind men, resulting in miraculous healing (Luke 7:12-15, Matthew 20:30-34). The book of Hebrews highlights Jesus as an empathetic High Priest who sympathises with human weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15)

Compassion is a sympathetic awareness of another's suffering or adversity coupled with a desire to alleviate it. One of the Hebrew words conveying the sense of compassion is the verb cha·malʹ, which means "feel (show or have) compassion; spare." (Ex 2:6; Mal 3:17; Jer 50:14) The Greek verb oi·kteiʹro means "show compassion," while the noun oi·ktir·mosʹ describes the inner feeling of compassion, or tender mercy. (Ro 9:15; 12:1; 2Co 1:3; Php 2:1; Col 3:12; Heb 10:28) The Greek word splagʹkhna (intestines) may have the sense of tender compassion.​—1Jo 3:17.

Speak kindly and respectfully. When you feel compassion for the person and genuinely want to help him, it will come through in the way you speak. Choose your words and tone of voice carefully, and avoid saying things that could offend.

Be helpful. Look for appropriate opportunities to help the person in practical ways. 

Conclusion:

The Bible calls believers to imitate God's compassion, making it a key characteristic of their lives. This is not just a feeling, but a command to be kind and compassionate, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave them (Ephesians 4:32). Compassion is meant to be shown through tangible actions, such as helping those in need with material possessions (1 John 3:17), including feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, and visiting the imprisoned (Matthew 25:35; Galatians 6:2). The principle of treating others as you would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12) is seen as foundational to a compassionate life. Ultimately, those who have received God's mercy are expected to extend it to others, reflecting God's love.

Christians are commanded to "be compassionate and humble" and to show kindness to one another. 

It involves being "like-minded" and "sympathetic". 

It is linked to forgiveness, as believers are told to "forgive one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you". 

It means looking "not to your own interests but to the interests of others".

2 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report