5809 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

Eph 4:32; Col 3:12 See also 2Co 1:3-5; 1Pe 3:8

Compassion needs to be shown in actions

1Jn 3:17 See also Isa 58:6-7; Mt 10:42 pp Mk 9:41; Mt 25:35-36; Ac 20:35

Examples of compassionate behaviour

To the oppressed and needy Job 29:12-17; Job 30:25; Pr 14:31; Lk 10:33-35; Ac 28:2

To the bereaved Ge 37:35; Ru 2:1-20; 2Sa 10:1-2; 1Ch 7:22; Jn 11:19

To children Ex 2:6; 1Ki 3:26; Isa 49:15

To prisoners 2Ch 28:15; 2Ch 30:9; Ac 16:33-34; Heb 13:3

To forgiven sinners 2Co 2:7-8; Gal 6:1

To the sick Job 2:11-13; Ps 35:13

To the solitary Ecc 4:10-11

To widows and orphans Zec 7:9-10; Jas 1:27

To Jerusalem Ps 102:14

God inspires human compassion

Da 1:9 See also Ex 3:21; Ps 106:46; Jer 42:12

God rewards compassion

Pr 14:21 See also Ps 112:4-5; Pr 19:17

Lack of compassion

2Sa 12:6; Ps 69:20; Ps 109:16; Eze 16:5; Am 1:11

Limits of human compassion

Dt 28:53-57; Isa 13:18; Jer 21:7; La 4:10

See also