Compassion, human

An attitude of care and concern, grounded in pity and sympathy towards others. Christian compassion towards others should reflect the compassion of God for his people.

Compassion is a vital requirement in Christian character

Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12 See also 2 Corinthians 1:3–5; 1 Peter 3:8

Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Compassion needs to be shown in actions

1 John 3:17 See also Isaiah 58:6–7; Matthew 10:42 parallel Mark 9:41; Matthew 25:35–36; Acts 20:35

If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

Examples of compassionate behaviour

To the oppressed and needy

Job 29:12–17, Job 30:25; Proverbs 14:31; Luke 10:33–35; Acts 28:2

To the bereaved

Genesis 37:35; Ruth 2:1–20; 2 Samuel 10:1–2; 1 Chronicles 7:22; John 11:19

To children

Exodus 2:6; 1 Kings 3:26; Isaiah 49:15

To prisoners

2 Chronicles 28:15, 2 Chronicles 30:9; Acts 16:33–34; Hebrews 13:3

To forgiven sinners

2 Corinthians 2:7–8; Galatians 6:1

To the sick

Job 2:11–13; Psalm 35:13

To the solitary

Ecclesiastes 4:10–11

To widows and orphans

Zechariah 7:9–10; James 1:27

To Jerusalem

Psalm 102:14

God inspires human compassion

Daniel 1:9 See also Exodus 3:21; Psalm 106:46; Jeremiah 42:12

Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official,

God rewards compassion

Proverbs 14:21 See also Psalm 112:4–5; Proverbs 19:17

He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.

Lack of compassion

2 Samuel 12:6; Psalm 69:20, Psalm 109:16; Ezekiel 16:5; Amos 1:11

Limits of human compassion

Deuteronomy 28:53–57; Isaiah 13:18; Jeremiah 21:7; Lamentations 4:10