Compassion, human

Compassion is a vital requirement in Christian character

Eph 4:32; Col 3:12

See also 2 Co 1:3–5; 1 Pe 3:8

Compassion needs to be shown in actions

1 John 3:17 NIV

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

See also Is 58:6–7; Mt 10:42; 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; 2 Sa 10:1–2; 1 Ch 7:22; Jn 11:19

To children

Ex 2:6; 1 Ki 3:26; Is 49:15

To prisoners

2 Ch 28:15; 2 Ch 30:9; Ac 16:33–34; Heb 13:3

To forgiven sinners

2 Co 2:7–8; Ga 6:1

To the sick

Job 2:11–13; Ps 35:13

To the solitary

Ecclesiastes 4:10–11 NIV

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

To widows and orphans

Zec 7:9–10; Jas 1:27

To Jerusalem

Psalm 102:14 NIV

For her stones are dear to your servants; her very dust moves them to pity.

God inspires human compassion

Daniel 1:9 NIV

Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel,

See also Ex 3:21; Ps 106:46; Je 42:12

God rewards compassion

Proverbs 14:21 NIV

It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.

See also Ps 112:4–5; Pr 19:17

Lack of compassion

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

Limits of human compassion

Dt 28:53–57; Is 13:18; Je 21:7; La 4:10