Bible Verses About Compassion

Compassion is the very heart of God, who is moved at the sight of human suffering. Scripture describes him with tenderness: "The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy" (Psalm 145:8). Far from being a distant and unfeeling God, the Lord draws near to those who suffer, he knows their grief, and he acts on their behalf. His compassion is never exhausted; it is faithful and renewed without ceasing, as the prophet proclaims: "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning" (Lamentations 3:22-23). This divine mercy reaches even to forgiveness: "He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea" (Micah 7:19). Now, this compassion that God shows toward us is also a model and a call. The believer, having received mercy himself, is invited to reflect it: "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering" (Colossians 3:12). To live with compassion is to look upon others with tenderness, to be sensitive to their distress, and to be quick to show mercy. These verses invite us to cultivate a compassionate heart, expressed in concrete care for our neighbor, in the image of the God who is full of goodness.