Compassion: Love In Action

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Matthew 9:36 (KJV)

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. Matthew 14:14 (KJV)

So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. Matthew 20:34 (KJV)

And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. Mark 1:41 (KJV)

According to dictionary.com, compassion is defined as a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. Notice how the definition does not merely say compassion is a feeling of sympathy, but it also includes a strong desire to do something to alleviate the suffering. Compassion is love that is moved to action.

Jesus was often moved by compassion to do something to help others. Compassion motivated Him to heal the sick, and meet the needs of people. Jesus is a perfect example of compassion; love in action.

Where is our compassion today? Have we become so desensitized to the suffering of people that we cannot feel for them and have no desire to help them in their time of need? We cross paths with hurting people everyday and we must be sensitive to their pain and needs and ask the Lord how we can help them. If we are paying attention, God will show us what to do. It may be that we simply need to smile and be kind, or He may have us lay hands on someone for their healing, or He may have us help them financially. No matter the situation, God has something for us to do because He expects us to be compassionate.

It is not enough for us to shake our heads and lament, “That poor soul.” We are to act. A compassionate person is not self-centered or selfish. A compassionate person is generous with their time and resources to help others.

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Proverbs 3:27 (KJV)

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17 (KJV)

Sometimes being compassionate scares us because we are concerned that the person we’re trying to help might reject our attempts to assist them. And occasionally people do reject help when it is offered, mainly out of pride. However, that should not prevent us from trying. Jesus was motivated by compassion and acted. If we wish to be like Him, then we must act too.