Suffering with another person: “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him.” He went out of his way to be kind, help him, and provide for his needs.
If you see someone suffering and you had the means to even show a kindness, would you? Do you know that kindness seldom costs you very much can your kindness for another can make their day. They might be at a place they have no clue what to do in life and even a kind word could change things for them. Don’t you be like the world where you are more concerned with you than other people. Yes, we have to care for ourself and those we love, but beyond that we need to be kind and compassionate to others.
The Bible tells us that in the last days that, “men will be lovers of their own selves.” 1 Timothy 3:1-4. That is a generation that is only interested in giving if they are sure of getting something back in return. (Proverbs 30:12-14)
I remember when I was young and going on a bus somewhere…if someone got on the bus who was elderly that someone would get up and give them their seat. I have not seen that in a long time!!!
A general definition of compassion is sympathy and concern for the sufferings of others and a desire to alleviate such suffering. Do you feel that way? Throughout the Bible we see God and many others who had compassion for others. Are we going to be like that with our own life? Shouldn’t we be that way?
“Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:18–19).
“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children” (Psalm 103:13–17).
God is compassionate. He is sympathetic to the suffering of His people. He sees our distress and takes pity on us. However, His compassion is more than mere sympathy and pity. God’s compassion is related to His mercy, kindness, patience, grace, forgiveness, and love. As I read that I totally get the picture of who and what God is and does. Since He is our example for all things in our life…we need to learn from whatever lesson He is giving us. God’s sympathy for our lost and miserable state led Him not only to feel our pain, but to provide an atoning sacrifice for our guilt; this He did by sending His Son to die for our sins (Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:1–10). Oh, that is amazing and we need to thank Him each and every day for all He does, has done, and will do on our behalf. Jesus is the Father’s most compassionate gift to mankind. It is only by and through faith in Jesus Christ that we are forgiven of our guilt and rescued from our deplorable condition (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).Jesus is God in the flesh (John 1:14). He experienced human life and is able to sympathize with us fully (Hebrews 4:14–16). He lived a perfect life and demonstrated things like compassion for us. He is always our example in what we should do and b like.
The high point of Christ’s compassion can be observed at the cross of Calvary where He lay down His life for the sins of the world (John 3:16). Those who put their faith in Jesus are born again spiritually and receive the Holy Spirit. We are made new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
We must have Jesus’ heart for the lost, hurt, wounded, poor, and needy souls of this world. Scripture makes it crystal clear that if we do not have compassion or love for each other, then we do not know God (1 John 3:17; 4:20). We must be compassionate and kind to others. Just think for a moment if you were down and out in life…wouldn’t you want someone to care about your circumstances, show kindness, and have compassion?
Now, may the Lord bless you, guide you, forgive your sins and heal your very soul. May He give you knowledge and wisdom, and His peace.
God bless you.