Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5809 compassion, human

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5809 compassion, human

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour » 5806 compassion » 5809 compassion, human

An attitude of care and concern, grounded in pity and sympathy towards others. Christian compassion towards others should reflect the compassion of God for his people.

Compassion is a vital requirement in Christian character

Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12 See also 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; 1 Peter 3:8

Compassion needs to be shown in actions

1 John 3:17 See also Isaiah 58:6-7; Matthew 10:42 pp Mark 9:41; Matthew 25:35-36; Acts 20:35

Examples of compassionate behaviour

To the oppressed and needy

Job 29:12-17; Job 30:25; Proverbs 14:31; Luke 10:33-35; Acts 28:2

To the bereaved

Genesis 37:35; Ruth 2:1-20; 2 Samuel 10:1-2; 1 Chronicles 7:22; John 11:19

To children

Exodus 2:6; 1 Kings 3:26; Isaiah 49:15

To prisoners

2 Chronicles 28:15; 2 C 9; Acts 16:33-34; Hebrews 13:3

To forgiven sinners

2 Corinthians 2:7-8; Galatians 6:1

To the sick

Job 2:11-13; Psalm 35:13

To the solitary

Ecclesiastes 4:10-11

To widows and orphans

Zechariah 7:9-10; James 1:27

To Jerusalem

Psalm 102:14

God inspires human compassion

God rewards compassion

Proverbs 14:21 See also Psalm 112:4-5; Proverbs 19:17

Lack of compassion

2 Samuel 12:6; Psalm 69:20; Psalm 109:16; Ezekiel 16:5; Amos 1:11

Limits of human compassion

Deuteronomy 28:53-57; Isaiah 13:18; Jeremiah 21:7; Lamentations 4:10