Definition and Concept:
Compassion over convenience is a principle that emphasizes prioritizing acts of kindness, mercy, and empathy over personal comfort, ease, or self-interest. This concept is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, where followers of Christ are called to emulate His example of selfless love and compassion, even when it is inconvenient or requires personal sacrifice.

Biblical Foundation:
The Bible consistently highlights the importance of compassion as a reflection of God's character and a fundamental aspect of Christian living. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "racham" often translated as "compassion," conveys a deep, tender mercy akin to a mother's love for her child. In the New Testament, the Greek word "splagchnizomai" is used to describe the visceral, heartfelt compassion that Jesus frequently demonstrated.

Key Scriptures:

1. Matthew 9:36 : "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." This verse illustrates Jesus' deep compassion for the people, prioritizing their spiritual and physical needs over His own convenience.

2. Luke 10:33-34 : "But when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him." The Parable of the Good Samaritan exemplifies compassion over convenience, as the Samaritan goes out of his way to help a stranger in need, despite the potential risks and inconvenience.

3. Philippians 2:3-4 : "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage encourages believers to adopt a mindset that values others' needs above personal convenience.

Jesus as the Model of Compassion:
Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of compassion over convenience. His earthly ministry was marked by numerous instances where He placed the needs of others above His own comfort. Whether healing the sick on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6) or feeding the hungry (Matthew 14:13-21), Jesus consistently demonstrated that true compassion often requires setting aside personal convenience.

Practical Application:
Believers are called to live out compassion over convenience in their daily lives. This can manifest in various ways, such as volunteering time to serve others, offering a listening ear to someone in distress, or providing for those in need, even when it disrupts personal plans or comfort. The call to compassion is a call to action, urging Christians to reflect Christ's love in tangible ways.

Challenges and Rewards:
While living out compassion over convenience can be challenging, especially in a culture that often prioritizes self-interest, the rewards are profound. Acts of compassion not only fulfill the biblical mandate to love one's neighbor but also bring glory to God and foster a sense of community and connection among believers. As Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender."