Jesus walked in compassion and so should we!
Biblical compassion is the God-given ability to see people through His Eyes, be deeply moved by their need, and Lovingly act to bring relief, healing, hope, or restoration.
Compassion is much more than feeling sorry for someone. Biblically, compassion is Love that is deeply moved by another person’s suffering and is motivated to relieve it.
The English word “compassion” comes from Latin:
- com = with
- passio = suffering
Literally, it means “to suffer with.”
In Scripture, compassion is one of God’s defining characteristics.
When God revealed Himself to Moses, the first attribute He mentioned was compassion.
Moses recorded by The Holy Spirit in Exodus chapter 34:
6 Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in faithfulness and Truth;
King David recorded by The Holy Spirit in Psalm chapter 103:
13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
God’s compassion is not merely emotional. He sees our need and acts to rescue, forgive, heal, and restore.
Jesus perfectly demonstrated compassion. The Gospels repeatedly say that Jesus was “moved with compassion.”
The Greek word is splagchnizomai (σπλαγχνίζομαι), it comes from a word meaning the inward organs—the bowels, heart, or deepest inner being. In the ancient world, these were considered the seat of deep emotions.
This means Jesus wasn’t simply thinking, “I feel bad for these people.” Rather, He was deeply stirred from His innermost being, and that inner movement resulted in action.
Whenever the Gospels mention Jesus’ compassion, something usually follows:
- He healed the sick.
- He fed the hungry.
- He taught those without spiritual guidance.
- He raised the dead.
- He forgave sinners.
- He restored outcasts.
Compassion always moved Him toward people.
There is an important difference between compassion versus sympathy.
Sympathy means you:
- Feels sorry.
- Acknowledges suffering.
- May remain passive.
Empathy means you:
- Understands what another person is experiencing.
- Shares emotionally in their pain.
Compassion:
- Feels another’s pain.
- Moves toward the person.
- Takes action to help.
Jesus did not merely notice suffering; He entered into it and responded.
Compassion reflects God’s Heart. Compassion sees people as God sees them.
Instead of asking, “What do they deserve?”, compassion asks, “What do they need?”
This is why Jesus loved:
- lepers,
- widows,
- children,
- the poor,
- tax collectors,
- sinners,
- the demonized,
- the grieving.
He saw people through the Father’s Eyes, and we are meant to see them in the same way!
Compassion and mercy are closely related but distinct.
- Compassion is the inward movement of the heart.
- Mercy is compassion expressed in action.
For example: a hungry person asks for food.
- Compassion says, “My heart is moved.”
- Mercy says, “Here is something to eat.”
Jesus consistently turned compassion into mercy.
Compassion and Love
Compassion is one expression of biblical Love (agapē). Love is the decision to seek another person’s good. Compassion is what that Love looks like when it encounters suffering.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Colossians chapter 3:
12 You are always and dearly Loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been Divinely chosen to be Holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others.
13 Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them.
14 For Love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark of true maturity.
Compassion is evidence that God’s Spirit is shaping our character. It protects us from becoming hard-hearted, indifferent, or self-centered. It also reflects the character of Christ.
Jesus spoke in Luke chapter 6:
36 Overflow with mercy and compassion for others, just as your Heavenly Father overflows with mercy and compassion for all.”
As we grow in Christ, we begin to notice what He notices. We become moved by the needs of others—not merely with emotion, but with a willingness to serve, encourage, give, forgive, and help.
This is why the Gospels so often say Jesus “was moved with compassion.” His miracles were not displays of power alone; they were expressions of the Father’s Heart toward people in need.
Servias Ministries expresses compassion for the kids in need as well as their families. Love in action is what it is all about!