Definition and Nature:
Compassion, as a divine gift, is the profound and empathetic concern for the suffering and misfortune of others, reflecting the heart of God. It is an essential attribute of God's character and a virtue that believers are called to embody. Compassion is not merely an emotional response but a deliberate action that seeks to alleviate suffering and bring comfort.

Biblical Foundation:
The Bible consistently portrays God as compassionate. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself to Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This declaration underscores compassion as integral to God's nature.

The Psalms frequently celebrate God's compassion. Psalm 103:13-14 states, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust." Here, God's compassion is likened to a father's tender care, emphasizing His understanding and mercy.

Jesus Christ as the Embodiment of Compassion:
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, exemplifies divine compassion throughout His earthly ministry. In Matthew 9:36, it is written, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Jesus' compassion led Him to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and teach the multitudes.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) further illustrates compassion as a divine gift. Jesus uses this account to teach that true compassion transcends social and ethnic boundaries, urging His followers to "go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37).

The Role of the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to exhibit compassion. In Colossians 3:12, Paul instructs, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." The Spirit cultivates these virtues within believers, enabling them to reflect God's compassion to the world.

Practical Application:
Compassion as a divine gift calls believers to action. James 1:27 defines pure religion as caring for "orphans and widows in their distress," highlighting the practical outworking of compassion. The early church exemplified this by sharing resources and caring for the needy (Acts 2:44-45).

Believers are encouraged to be compassionate in their daily interactions, as instructed in Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This call to compassion extends to all aspects of life, urging Christians to be agents of God's love and mercy.

Conclusion:
Compassion, as a divine gift, is a reflection of God's own heart and a vital aspect of Christian living. Through the example of Jesus Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to embody and extend God's compassion to a hurting world.