Lamentations 3:22, "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail."
Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Colossians 3:12, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
1 Peter 3:8-9, "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
"The definition of compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is hurting, in pain, or has misfortune and is accompanied by a strong desire to help the suffering. Jesus Christ is the greatest example of someone with true compassion. Not only did Jesus have compassion and heal people from physical suffering, he also showed the greatest compassion for mankind when He died on the cross for our sins." [biblestudytools.org]
Psalm 86:15, "But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness."
We are often quicker to judge others first, before showing any compassion. Oh, but for the grace of God go I. We must remember that we are all sinners and we are not all at the same place in our spiritual walk with God. Compassion is grace in action towards others.
"While his compassion can be thwarted by disobedience, there are times when his disobedient people's only hope is that his compassion overcomes his anger."
Compassion is understanding the troubles of others and reaching out in love, not condemnation.
The greatest example of this is found in Jesus on the cross in Luke 23:34 "Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” When we have felt wronged by another, can we first consider another's needs before our own? Jesus knew that the need for Him to die for our sins was greater than what He had to suffer through.
Compassion is an attribute of God and of Christ-followers. God's compassions are faithful and new every morning. As part of the Church, we should point others to the path of Christ in whatever their needs may be--spiritual direction and/or material goods-with compassionate action that is freely and tenderly given.
How do we express compassion to others? First, begin with the right attitude. A non-judgmental attitude will make you more approachable. Secondly, kindness will make your words or deeds more acceptable. Thirdly, gentleness is more effective than any harsh word.
When you see someone in need,
Love demands a loving deed;
Don't just say you love him true,
Prove it by the deeds you do. —Sper