Definition and Importance
Maintaining a heart of compassion is a central tenet of Christian living, reflecting the love and mercy of God towards humanity. Compassion, derived from the Latin "compati," meaning "to suffer with," involves empathy and a desire to alleviate the suffering of others. In the Christian context, it is an expression of the love that believers are called to demonstrate, mirroring the compassion of Christ.

Biblical Foundation
The Bible provides numerous exhortations and examples of compassion. In the Old Testament, God is frequently described as compassionate. For instance, Psalm 103:8 states, "The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion." This divine attribute sets a precedent for human behavior.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies compassion through His ministry. Matthew 9:36 notes, "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 is not merely an emotional response but is often followed by action, such as healing the sick and feeding the hungry.

Practical Application
Believers are called to emulate Christ's compassion in their daily lives. Colossians 3:12 instructs, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." This verse highlights compassion as a fundamental characteristic of a Christian's identity.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) serves as a powerful illustration of compassion in action. The Samaritan's willingness to help a wounded stranger, despite cultural enmity, underscores the call to love one's neighbor without prejudice or expectation of reward.

Challenges and Encouragement
Maintaining a heart of compassion can be challenging in a world marked by self-interest and indifference. However, believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. Galatians 5:22-23 lists compassion-related attributes as fruits of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

Furthermore, 1 John 3:17-18 challenges believers to demonstrate their compassion through tangible actions: "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no compassion on him, how can the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth."

Theological Implications
Compassion is not merely a moral duty but a reflection of God's character and an essential aspect of the believer's sanctification process. It is through acts of compassion that Christians bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. As believers grow in their relationship with Christ, their capacity for compassion should likewise increase, serving as a testament to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion
While a conclusion is not provided, the entry emphasizes the biblical mandate for compassion, the example set by Jesus, and the practical outworking of this virtue in the life of a believer.