The Bible and compassion

1. Psalm 86:15 (NKJV):

"But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth."

Summary:

So, in plain language, this verse is like a sneak peek into who God is. It's saying, "Check it out, the Lord is the real deal:

• compassionate, 
• gracious, 
• super patient...
• and overflowing with mercy and truth."

Application:

When life gets tricky or you're feeling a bit lost, remember this verse. It's a reminder that the God you're dealing with is not a harsh judge but a compassionate, patient, and loving guide.

So, take a deep breath, tap into the Bible and compassion, and let that attribute of God shape the way you navigate your day.

How compassion can be a strength and change the world

And here's another beautiful aspect of this truth: as you reflect God's compassionate nature to others, you're not just spreading good vibes; you're becoming a living example of the God you serve.

People might not remember every word you say, but they'll certainly remember how you made them feel. So, let God's compassion shine through you, making the world a bit brighter, one interaction at a time.

2. I John 3:17 

But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

Summary:

Think of John as your caring friend, sitting down for a heart-to-heart and talking about the Bible and compassion. He's saying,

                                         "Look, if you've got something, and

someone you care about is in a tight spot, but

your heart is closed off towards them, that's

not how love works, especially God's love."

Application-Heartfelt Generosity:

Don't just look at needs; let your heart connect with them. Allow your compassion to move you to be generous, especially when someone you care about could use a helping hand.

3. Psalm 103:13 

"As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him."

Summary--Fatherly Compassion

Imagine a caring dad looking at his kids with love and understanding. This verse paints a picture of God, saying, "Just like a father has compassion on his children, God showers that same caring love on those who respect and honor Him."

Application--How We Reflect this Compassion:

Now, here's the part where we can make a difference in this world: we get to reflect this compassion to others. When someone around you is going through a tough time, you can be that understanding presence, that shoulder to lean on, just like God is for you.

So, in your relationships and interactions, channel that warm, dad-like compassion. Be patient, be caring, and spread a bit of that understanding love.

It's not just about knowing God's compassion; it's about letting it flow through you into the lives of those around you. In that way, we enjoy benefits of embracing compassion including the positive effects such actions can have on other peoples' lives. So...

• Trust that God looks at you with a compassionate parent's heart.

• Let this assurance influence how you approach your relationship with God and others.

4. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV):

"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."

Summary:

Picture this: you're cruising through life, and sometimes, it feels like you're right on the edge of getting overwhelmed. But hey, Lamentations 3:22-23 spills the beans on why you're still standing. It's like a reminder that God's compassion is this never-ending fuel, keeping you from being burnt out.

So, what's the deal with God's compassion here? It's not a one-time offer or a limited-time deal. No siree! It's this constant flow of understanding, mercy, and care. It's like a fresh batch of cookies coming out of the oven every morning, but instead, it's a fresh dose of compassion from God.

Application:

Now, how does this work in your everyday life? Well, imagine waking up each morning, and there's this new supply of God's compassion waiting for you. It's like a reset button, a chance to face the day with a heart full of gratitude and a pocket full of compassion.

And guess what? You get to pass it on. When you encounter someone having a tough day, you've got this surplus of compassion to share. It's not about being consumed by stress or negativity; it's about living in the overflow of God's compassion and letting it spill into the lives of those around you.

So, here's the takeaway: Every morning, tap into that fresh batch of God's compassion, and let it shape your day.

• Be kind, 

• be understanding, 

• and be compassionate...

knowing that you've got this daily refill of God's unwavering love and care. It's the secret sauce to living a life marked by His faithfulness. 

5. Matthew 9:36 

"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd."

Summary

Okay, as we continue to reflect on the Bible and compassion, imagine this scene:

Jesus looks out at a big crowd, and instead of just seeing a bunch of faces, He feels this deep compassion. Why? Because it hits Him that these folks are like tired, lost sheep without a guide.

Application

Now, think about your own encounters with people. When you see someone feeling lost, weary, or just struggling, take a cue from Jesus. Let your heart be moved with compassion. It's not just about noticing; it's about feeling a little bit of what they might be going through.

So, next time you spot someone who seems a bit scattered or worn out, be the compassionate presence they need. It's about going beyond the surface and connecting with the heart, just like Jesus did.

Whether it's...

• a kind word, 

• a helping hand, 

• or a listening ear...

let compassion guide your actions. You never know, you might be the shepherd someone needs in their moment of weariness.

6. 1 Peter 3:8:

"Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous."

Summary

Peter is basically saying,

"Hey, folks, let's be kind and understanding to each other.

Feel what others are going through and show that you care.

It's like creating a friendly and caring community

where we all look out for one another."

In essence, Peter encourages the establishment of a compassionate community where the genuine concern for each other's well-being serves as the cornerstone.

Application

Here are ways to apply this...

• Have a heart-to-heart when your friend seems down.

• Be the go-to listener when someone needs to vent.

• Offer a helping hand when you spot someone struggling.

7. Psalm 145:8 

"The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy."

Summary

Imagine this verse as a portrait of God's heart. It's like a beautiful canvas depicting a God who isn't quick to get mad but is overflowing with kindness and compassion. The image is one of a patient, merciful Creator, always ready to extend a hand of grace.

Application--Compassion in Action

• Be a channel of God's compassion in your interactions.
• Seek to understand and empathize, mirroring the compassion you receive.

So, think of yourself as a living reflection of this divine portrait, embodying grace, compassion, and mercy in your daily encounters.

8. James 5:11

"Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful."

Summary:
This verse gives a shout-out to Job, the endurance champ. It's like saying, "Look at Job; he went through the wringer, but see how it turned out? God is compassionate and merciful, always looking out for His people in the long run."

Application:--Endurance Rewards:

• When things get tough, remember Job's story.
• Trust in God's compassion and mercy, knowing that endurance leads to blessing

9. Isaiah 49:13 

Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains!
For the Lord has comforted His people, And will have mercy on His afflicted.

Summary:
Imagine the heavens throwing a party and the mountains breaking into song – why? Because the Lord, like a comforting parent, is full of compassion for His people, especially those going through tough times.

Application: Heavenly Comfort:

Rejoice, knowing that God finds joy in comforting you.
In moments of affliction, trust in God's compassion to see you through.

10. Matthew 14:14 

And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.

Summary:

Picture a massive crowd, and Jesus, seeing them not just with His eyes but with His heart, is moved with compassion. It's like saying, "Look at these people, I've got to help them." And He does, healing the sick.

Application-Compassion in Action:

When faced with the needs of others, let compassion be your guide.
Seek opportunities to help, mirroring Jesus' compassionate actions.

May theme of the Bible and compassion and the listed verses encourage and uplift your faith, and prompt you to extend this God-like quality to others!

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For more on what the Bible has to say specifically about empathy, go to:

https://www.encouragementscriptures.com/The-Bible-and-empathy.html

Check out this article on Biblical characters exemplifying compassion...

https://www.compassion.com/poverty/compassionate-bible-characters.htm#:~:text=%22Be%20kind%20and%20compassionate%20to,practice%20compassion%20in%20everyday%20life.

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