Time and again the Gospels tell us that Jesus saw the crowds and was filled with compassion (eg. Matthew 14:14). Crowds full of sinners, unlovable mistake makers, needy people. We are often surrounded by the same sorts of people (we are the same sorts of people) but we rarely feel that same sense of compassion for them. A quick twinge of the conscience quickly stamped out as we go about our days. Yet we are called to so much more. How do we develop that proactive, life-changing, challenging compassion?

1. Consider God’s abounding compassion on all creation.

Psalm 145 v 9 - The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

2. We first need God’s compassion in our lives to call us back.

Isaiah 54 v 7 - “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back.

3. Our compassion for each other stems out of God’s great compassion on us in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 4 v 32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

4. Remember all that Christ gave up for us, that we might be willing to do the same for others.

2 Corinthians 8 v 9 - And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

5. We are commanded to clothe ourselves in compassion.

Colossians 3 v 12 - Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

6. Compassion requires us to go to those in need.

2 Corinthians 1 v 3-4 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

7. Value others above ourselves.

Philippians 2 v 1-3 - Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

8. Remember that whilst our compassion will always be flawed, failing and finite, our God’s love and compassion will outlast all.

Isaiah 54 v 10 - Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.