Compassion

Compassion is a characteristic of the God we worship and serve. God showed compassion to us when he sent is only begotten Son to earth to live and die for us (John 3.16). Jesus showed his compassion when he willingly went to the cross to die even though we were still sinners and enemies of his cause (Romans 5.8). The Psalmist said “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth” Psalms 86:15. Notice all these great characteristics of our Heavenly Father; God is full of love for us and extremely patient with us.

Is it any wonder then that God commands his children to be the same way? God said, “Be ye Holy, as I am Holy” (1 Pt. 1:16). This includes loving our fellow men and women as God loved us by showing them compassion. Jesus stated to his disciples, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” John 15:12. In the Old Testament God required his people to love their neighbors as themselves (Mt. 22.39). Today, God requires that we show the same kind of love to our fellow man that he himself showed to us all. This is quite a difference. We are obligated by God to show the proper love for each other.

Paul stated, “Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering” Colossians 3:12. As Christians we must show the proper love for each of God’s children. This command can be obeyed in many ways. We can learn to speak nicely and decently to each other, “But the tongue can no man tame… therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made after the likeness of God: out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be” James 3:8-10. Too many times people use their mouths to curse, ridicule, belittle, and embarrass their fellow man.

We also can help those in need. Jesus stated, “Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me” Matthew 25:37, 40. “But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him” 1 John 3:17? To be like our Father in Heaven, we must learn to care about each other and love one another. This world would be a much better place if everyone would follow God’s teachings.