15 Bible Verses About Compassion

 

The Bible defines compassion as a deep sense of love, mercy, and kindness, particularly toward those who are suffering or in need. Compassion in the Bible goes beyond mere sympathy or feeling bad for someone; it involves action to relieve suffering and demonstrate God's love.

Compassion is an essential quality that encourages us to care for others and connect with their struggles. In our busy world, it can be easy to overlook the feelings and needs of those around us. However, the Bible emphasizes compassion as a core aspect of our faith, teaching us to love and serve one another.

This article explores 15 powerful Bible verses about compassion from the King James Version (KJV), helping us understand its significance and how we can embody it in our daily lives.

 

 

Understanding Compassion

Compassion goes beyond mere sympathy; it involves taking action to alleviate the suffering of others. It’s about feeling their pain and doing something to help. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God’s compassion for His people and the call for us to extend that same compassion to others. This quality reflects the heart of God and His desires for humanity. Compassion prompts us to look beyond ourselves and consider the needs of those around us. It inspires us to act, whether that means offering a listening ear, providing physical assistance, or simply being present for someone in need.

The Bible teaches us that compassion is deeply intertwined with love, mercy, and grace. It invites us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with the struggles of others, embodying the very essence of our faith.

As we delve into these verses, let’s open our hearts to what it means to live a life of compassion and how we can make a difference in the world.

For those looking to deepen their understanding of compassion and how to embody it in daily life, consider joining our Bible Study Club.


1. Matthew 9:36
"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."

This verse illustrates Jesus’ deep empathy for the people around Him. He saw their struggles and wanted to guide and support them. His compassion moved Him to action, teaching us that our feelings should inspire us to help others.

2. Colossians 3:12
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering."

Paul urges us to embrace compassion as a part of our identity as God’s children. By "putting on" these qualities, we reflect God's love and grace to those we encounter. Each day presents an opportunity to choose kindness and mercy, allowing us to live out our faith in tangible ways.

3. Psalm 145:9
"The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works."

This verse highlights God's universal compassion. His care extends to all creation, reminding us that compassion is not selective; it should be offered to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. When we acknowledge this, we can become more mindful of our interactions with others, seeing them as valuable and worthy of our care.

4. Luke 6:36
"Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."

Here, Jesus calls us to emulate God's mercy. Just as we have received mercy from God, we are expected to show the same kindness to others. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of compassion. When we show mercy, we reflect the heart of God to the world around us.

5. Ephesians 4:32
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

Paul connects compassion with forgiveness, showing that they often go hand in hand. When we are compassionate, we create an environment of grace where forgiveness can flourish. By actively choosing to forgive and be kind, we cultivate deeper relationships that honor God and uplift those around us.

6. Isaiah 49:13
"Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted."

This verse reassures us of God’s promise to comfort those who are suffering. It emphasizes that God’s compassion is not passive; He actively seeks to help those in distress. Knowing that God cares for the afflicted should motivate us to extend that same comfort to others in their time of need.

7. Romans 12:15
"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."

Compassion requires us to engage with the emotional experiences of others. Sharing in their joys and sorrows helps build strong, supportive communities grounded in love and understanding. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and connect with others, we strengthen the bonds of fellowship and create a more compassionate society.

 

8. James 1:27
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

This verse emphasizes that true religion is marked by acts of compassion, especially toward the vulnerable. Caring for those in need is a significant aspect of living out our faith. By actively seeking ways to support those who are marginalized or struggling, we fulfill our calling as followers of Christ.

9. 1 Peter 3:8
"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous."

Peter encourages unity among believers, highlighting the importance of compassion in maintaining healthy relationships within the community. When we practice compassion, we foster a spirit of harmony and understanding. This verse calls us to be intentional in our interactions, promoting kindness and goodwill toward one another.

10. Matthew 14:14
"And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick."

Jesus’ compassion led Him to heal those who were suffering. This verse illustrates that compassion can lead to practical help, showing us how to put our feelings into action. We are encouraged to look for opportunities to serve those around us, just as Jesus did.

11. Proverbs 14:21
"He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he."

This proverb emphasizes the moral obligation to show kindness. Compassion is not just a nice quality; it’s a command that leads to blessings in our lives. When we act mercifully, we align ourselves with God’s will, experiencing the joy that comes from serving others.

12. Zechariah 7:9
"Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and show mercy and compassions every man to his brother."

God calls us to administer justice with mercy. This means that compassion should guide our interactions, ensuring that we treat others fairly and with kindness. By living out this principle, we can help build a more just and loving society.

13. Luke 10:33-34
"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him."

The Good Samaritan is a powerful example of compassion in action. This story illustrates that compassion knows no boundaries and challenges us to help those in need, regardless of differences. It serves as a reminder that we are all called to be neighbors to one another, extending love and care to everyone we encounter.

If you are interested in exploring more parables and their lessons, check out our collection of The Parables of Jesus.

14. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble."

This passage emphasizes that God is the source of all compassion. When we experience His comfort, we are equipped to comfort others in their struggles. Understanding that we have received God’s mercy empowers us to share that same comfort with those who are hurting.

 

 

15. Matthew 5:7
"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."

Jesus’ words remind us that showing mercy and compassion leads to receiving mercy ourselves. It’s a call to live a life marked by kindness and understanding. By practicing compassion, we not only reflect God’s character but also open ourselves to the blessings that come from living in alignment with His will.


Planning your study time can enhance your understanding. Our Bible Study Planner is an excellent resource for organizing your reflections on compassion.

Conclusion

Compassion is not just a feeling; it is a call to action. The Bible teaches us that compassion is a reflection of God’s love for us and a vital aspect of our faith. By embracing these verses, we can cultivate a compassionate heart, allowing us to connect deeply with others and bring comfort to those in need. As we strive to embody these teachings, we can transform our communities into places of kindness and support, following the example set by Jesus.

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Let us commit to being vessels of compassion, spreading love and understanding wherever we go. In doing so, we not only honor God but also enrich our own lives and the lives of those around us. Compassion is a powerful force for good in the world, and each small act of kindness can make a significant impact. 

To assist you on your journey of compassion, check out our Bible Study Toolkit, designed to help you grow in your faith and understanding.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of compassion that touches lives and brings hope to those who need it most. 😌🙏❤