What Jesus teaches about Compassion
Introduction
As we navigate through this path called life, it’s important we pattern our actions across the teachings of Jesus. One virtue that Jesus profoundly teaches about in the Holy Bible is compassion. He emphasizes the love for our neighbors as we love ourselves, spreading kindness and care even to those who might not seem deserving. As believers, it’s not just enough to acknowledge these teachings; we must strive to implement them in our lives. Let’s delve into understanding compassion as taught by Jesus.
Bible Verse
Matthew 9:36: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Meaning
Jesus never refrained from showing compassion during his time on earth. In this verse from Matthew, it portrays Jesus’ empathy towards the multitude. They were like sheep without a shepherd, lost and in need of guidance – a perfect representation of compassion. He empathized with their struggles and provided comfort and hope, even in their hopeless situation.
Compassion isn’t merely feeling sorry for someone; it’s about empathizing with their struggles and offering help where possible. It requires putting others before yourself and giving love without expecting anything in return. This teaching challenges us all to step out of our comfort zones and lend a helping hand to others.
Actions to Take
- Actively seek out opportunities to help someone who is in need.
- Educate others about the importance of compassion, and encourage them to do the same.
- Encourage someone who is going through a tough time.
- Show kindness to those who have been unkind to us, following Jesus’ example.
- Perform random acts of kindness without expecting anything in return.
Journal Prompts
- What opportunities have I had to show compassion today? How did I respond?
- In what ways can I improve my compassionate response to others?
- What fears or prejudices prevent me from being compassionate?
- Reflect on a situation where someone showed you compassion when you needed it the most.
Prayer
Dear Lord, teach my heart to overflow with your compassion, kindness, and gentleness. Help me to see beyond myself and reach out to others who are in need. Take away anything in my life that hinders me from showing your love to those around me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Social Posts
- “Showing compassion is like spreading seeds of God’s love. #SpreadCompassion”
- “Step out of your comfort zone, show kindness today. #CompassionChallenge”
- “Compassion is seeing with your heart, not just your eyes. #EmbraceCompassion”
- “Let’s emulate Jesus, be kind to one another. #SpreadLove”
Conclusion
Learning from the teachings of Jesus about compassion is an essential part of our Christian journey. It molds us into more loving and understanding individuals, bringing us closer to God’s heart. Let’s continue to learn and grow in our faith journey together, becoming vessels of God’s compassion in this world.
Continue to find inspiration and guidance in our short Bible study here at BGodInspired.com.
Journaling – Your Pathway to Purposeful Mornings!
Q&A about what Jesus teaches about Compassion
Q: What does Jesus teach about compassion?
A: Jesus teaches that compassion is a fundamental attribute that every person should have. He portrays it through his parables, especially the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) wherein love and compassion is depicted for a fallen traveler by a Samaritan, someone from a group often despised by the Jews. According to Jesus, compassion should extend to all people regardless of their background, ethnicity or beliefs.
Q: How did Jesus demonstrate compassion in His life?
A: Jesus demonstrated compassion in His own life by continually reaching out to the poor, the sick, the marginalized, and those in desperate need. He healed the sick, fed the hungry and forgave sinners out of his deep compassion for them. He empathized with their sufferings and strivings.
Q: According to Jesus, who are we supposed to show compassion towards?
A: According to Jesus, we are supposed to show compassion toward everyone – including strangers, those in need, and even our enemies. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecive us, reflecting a compassionate attitude.
Q: What parable of Jesus most clearly teaches about compassion?
A: The Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 is probably the most illustrative of Jesus’s teaching on compassion. In this story, a Samaritan man shows compassion for an injured man who was ignored by a priest and a Levite, proving that everyone is our neighbor and deserving of compassion.
Q: What does Jesus say about showing compassion to others in need?
A: In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This highlights that showing compassion to others, particularly those in need, is akin to showing compassion to Jesus Himself.
Q: Is compassion a choice according to Jesus’ teachings?
A: Yes, according to Jesus’ teachings, compassion is a choice. It is a conscious decision to empathize with the suffering of others and to take action to alleviate it. It is not just about feeling pity but also acting upon these feelings to help those who are suffering.
Q: How does compassion in Jesus’ teaching relate to the concept of sin?
A: In Jesus’ teachings, compassion often goes hand-in-hand with forgiveness. His compassion for sinners was not an endorsement of their sins but was given alongside the admonition to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11). This exhibits that His compassion extended to understanding human weaknesses and emphasized repentance and transformation.
