What does it mean to be compassionate
The exchanging of goodwill to others as you expect in return for yourself is the cornerstone of compassion. America has been admired by other countries because we are always one of the first countries to respond with a helping hand wherever it is needed - worldwide. The dictionary defines compassion as sympathy for the suffering of others. The Word of God supports this kind of compassion.
The Bible says, "to whom much has been given, much is required."
It is absolutely a fact that we reap exactly what we sow. Jesus Christ speaks about compassion on many occasions in Scripture. People have grasped that compassion enriches the giver as much or more than the recipient of compassion. Jesus Christ best exemplifies compassion. The Gospel is full of how Jesus demonstrated compassion. Compassion is like love it is best explained by demonstration.
Here are some examples.
Mark 6:34 reads like this.
"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things."
Matthew 14:14 "When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick."
Matthew 20:34 "Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him." These are just a few Scriptures depicting the compassion of Jesus Christ; the Bible is full of other Scriptures that demonstrate his compassion. He was not compassionate from a cold sense of duty but His heart was tempered by mercy and He agonized over us. He died in our stead. The Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:33-36 is a picture of Jesus Christ and His compassion. Jesus Christ always demonstrated a desire to help fallen humanity. His compassion brought Him to tears for humanity. The Bible says, "Jesus wept." In every avenue of living Jesus Christ demonstrated compassion for man. He had compassion for the sick, for the loss of loved ones, for the demon possessed, for the hungry, the lost and those in need.
Jesus Christ is our example and our meaning of compassion. We must emulate him as the best example of what compassion means. Learning to be tenderhearted towards the suffering of our brothers and sisters can only happen if we have developed a relationship with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When we recognize and humble ourselves in the knowledge of what Jesus Christ has done for us, we will understand and be sensitized to "do unto others as we would like done for us- in compassion."
Introduction to Compassion
Our earliest existence begins with compassion - let me add in most instances. We receive compassion in the form of the nurturing care given us by our mother/caregiver. We come to crave compassion in our development. Compassion is part of knowing what it means to love; God is love. God, through Jesus Christ, continuously demonstrated compassion in every area of His sojourn of earth. Jesus let us know by His example how important it is to know how compassion feels and what it means to be compassionate to other people.
Since compassion is an attribute of love, we learn to love by having compassion and receiving compassion from others. It brings about a circle of love and it lends itself to being reciprocal. It feeds the inner man with spiritual growth and renewal; it gives meaning and purpose to our existence. Why? God is Love and we are made in His likeness. We imitate His character. It is a Christian trait to imitate The Father, as we are heirs, his children, his followers. Showing and knowing compassion is characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ.