Compassion Guidance in the Bible

We are called to be compassionate in our Christian walk. Every day we see people who are in need. We hear about them on the news, in our schools, and more. Yet in today's world, it's become so easy to consider those in need invisible. Here are some bible verses on compassion that remind us to be merciful in our thoughts and actions:

Our Compassion Toward Others

We're called to be compassionate to others. There are many Bible verses that talk about compassion that goes beyond ourselves and extends to those around us:

Mark 6:34
When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. (NASB)

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)

Colossians 3:12-13
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. (NLT)

Galatians 6:2
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. (NLT)

Matthew 7:1-2
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (NIV)

Romans 8:1
If you belong to Christ Jesus, you won’t be punished. (CEV)

Romans 12:20
The Scriptures also say, “If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink. This will be the same as piling burning coals on their heads.” (CEV)

Psalm 78:38
Yet God was kind. He kept forgiving their sins and didn’t destroy them. He often became angry, but never lost his temper. (CEV)

Proverbs 31:6-7
Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to him whose life is bitter. Let him drink and forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more. (NASB)

God's Compassion Toward Us

We are not just the ones to be compassionate. God is the ultimate example of compassion and mercy. He has shown us the greatest compassion and He is the example we should follow:

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (NKJV)

Matthew 14:14
When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw the large crowd. He felt sorry for them and healed everyone who was sick. (CEV)

Jeremiah 1:5
“Jeremiah, I am your Creator, and before you were born, I chose you to speak for me to the nations.” (CEV)

John 16:33
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (NLT)

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)

James 2:5
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? (NIV)

Lamentations 3:22-23
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. (NLT)