Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it.
Brief Explanation:
Compassion is love in action. Jesus was frequently moved with compassion on behalf of someone, releasing His power on behalf of another. It is still a key to the counseling process, and ministry in general. To be compassionate is to care deeply for another, communicated in empathy, warmth and respect, and which, unlike pity, shows the client that you care, and have every belief that with God and them, they can overcome.
The Word of God:
Matthew 9:36
“And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.
Luke 7:13
“And when the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her. ‘Do not weep.’ ”
Colossians 3:12
“And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience…”
1 Peter 3:8
“To sum it up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted and humble in spirit.”
James 1:27
“This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
