What does the Bible say about compassion?

The Bible passages below can be used in sermons, prayers, or worship planning focused on compassion. 

• Psalm 145:9, God has compassion for the creation
• Isaiah 49:15, God will not forget the people of Zion
• Hosea 11:1-9, God is a loving parent, even when Israel turns away
• Matthew 20:34, Jesus is moved with compassion and heals two blind men 
• Mark 6:34, Jesus has compassion for the crowd
• John 11:28-35, Jesus weeps over the death of Lazarus
• Colossians 3:12, put on the clothing of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience

God's compassion 

Sermons about compassion can note that God's compassion is born out of God's role as the Creator (see Psalm 145:9). God is completely invested in the creation and wants it to thrive as it was intended. The destruction or brokenness of creation therefore hurts God and arouses compassion. 

God is also depicted as having a parental relationship, especially with Israel but by extension with all humanity. As a mother has compassion for her nursing child, so God cares for the people of Israel. And even if a mother could forget her child, I will not forget you, God says (Isaiah 49:15; see also Hosea 11:1-9). 

The compassion of Jesus 

Our sermons about compassion can also examine the role of compassion in the life of Jesus. The gospels often picture Jesus' compassion, especially for those who are suffering: the sick, the destitute, the powerless. Meeting two blind men, Jesus is moved with compassion and touches their eyes. Immediately they regain their sight and follow him (Matthew 20:34). 

Jesus also has compassion on all those who do not yet know the love and salvation of God, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34). 

Jesus' compassion is also depicted in his human emotions, as when he weeps at Lazarus' tomb (John 11:28-35). 

Christian compassion 

Sermons about compassion can point out that Christians follow the example of their Lord by giving free rein to their compassion. So, like God, they are to have compassion on others in their weakness and failure, and on those who are suffering with hunger, disease, or injustice. Compassion is one of the characteristics God's chosen ones demonstrate, along with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). 

Sermon ideas about compassion 

Natural human compassion 

In sermons about compassion, we can caution that it's possible to turn off our natural human compassion, especially when we see the suffering of another as deserved punishment or just deserts. Or when we decide that the person is somehow subhuman and therefore does not deserve our compassion (as was the case with the lynching of African Americans in the South or the treatment of Jews in Nazi Germany). Sometimes we override the feeling of compassion because we are too busy or distracted to act on it. 

Compassion fatigue 

Sermons about compassion can acknowledge that people whose hearts are tender with compassion sometimes suffer from what's called "compassion fatigue." It's endemic in the pastoral ministry and in such vocations as medicine, social work, and counseling. It's important to recognize the symptoms (hard-heartedness, anxiety, anger, or cynicism) not as failure, but as a signal that one needs some time away for renewal and refreshment. People should also ask themselves whether they have taken on the weight of care that only God can sustain, calling for reexamination of motives and practice. 

The throbbing heart of church ministry 

Christian compassion has often led to the creation of ministries to the sick and the oppressed and the ministry of evangelism toward the lost. It is the throbbing heart of the church's ministry in the world. 

Compassion can be disordered 

Like all things, compassion can be disordered. Some people, for example, can be extraordinarily compassionate toward their pet cat while totally ignoring the needs of their neighbor. Most tyrants have a soft spot for something. It's as if their inbuilt capacity for compassion has to be spent on something, and it's so much easier to spend it on an easily controlled pet than on the poor or on the lives of those who might stand in the way of their will. 

Excerpts about compassion 

Following are sample excerpts from Zeteosearch.org sermon resources about compassion: 

"If we want mission-minded, compassionate, others-centered young adults, it's going to mean embracing intentional strategies like these." Article about Children or Youth Ministry by Beth Guckenberger from Ministry Spark  

"This story of the in-breaking reign of God will also tell of compassion and transformation. Jesus, like the God who instituted the sabbath, is committed to preserving life." Scripture Meditation by Matt Skinner from Working Preacher 

Worship ideas about compassion

Following are sample excerpts from Zeteosearch.org worship resources about compassion: 

"Loving God, we learn compassion from you. Bless and multiply these gifts so that they might spread your love to others. Amen." Offering Prayer from Together in Worship 

"What boundless love, what fathomless grace You have shown us, O God of compassion. Each day we live an offering of praise as we show to the world Your compassion." Song by Keith and Kristyn Getty & Stuart Townend from Global Worship