“Though the mountains move and the hills shake, my love will not be removed from you and my covenant of peace will not be shaken,” says your compassionate LORD. Isaiah54:10 CSB

Jesus called his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the crowd, because they’ve already stayed with me three days and have nothing to eat.” Matthew 15:32a CSB

Compassion is used more than a hundred times in the Bible. It literally means “to suffer together.” Although compassion and empathy are related, they are not the same. Empathy is being able to understand and share the feelings that someone else has, for example grief. Compassion goes beyond empathy; compassion requires that we do something to help alleviate the suffering of another.

Our verses for today show us first God’s compassion for us, His creations, His people. God suffers along with us, but no matter what happens, what we do, He will not stop loving us. He will continue to be compassionate with us. Our second focuses on the compassion of Jesus. And as we all strive to live more like our Savior, compassion should be our goal.

Compassion is used many times in Paul’s letters to the churches. We as members of the church are required to relate to those around us with compassion. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. Ephesians 4:32a

Compassion can and does take many forms. But one of the first requirements is the absence of judgement, accept each as the person they are. We empathize and we want to help alleviate the suffering, but we don’t want to lay blame or criticize. We offer a listening ear, an encouraging word, hospitality, help with a chore, kindness, forgiveness, apology (if necessary), patience, and love.

It is compassion that put Jesus on the cross and compassion for each of us that required that He stay there and die for us.

This week, be compassionate, take action, come along side and suffer with your friend, coworker, spouse, church member, or even a stranger in need. Let’s emulate our Lord Jesus and be compassionate.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we all strive to demonstrate the compassion of God and Jesus.

Blessings as you show compassion!