What the Bible says about Compassion

We know from  1 John 4:8 that God is love, so we can certainly believe that his character is filled with loving kindness, compassion and mercy. Here is a curated list of Bible verses about compassion and mercy, which exemplifies God’s love for human kind.

1. Psalm 86:15  “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
   • This verse highlights God’s nature as compassionate and loving, emphasizing His patience and unwavering loyalty to His followers.
2. Micah 6:8  “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
   • This scripture reminds us that God’s desire for us includes living out justice, mercy, and humility in our daily actions.
3. Matthew 9:13  “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
   • Jesus emphasizes the importance of mercy over ritual sacrifices, indicating that God values the state of our hearts and our treatment of others above ceremonial practices.
4. Luke 6:36  “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
   • This command from Jesus encourages us to emulate the mercy of God in our interactions, promoting a spirit of forgiveness and compassion.
5. Ephesians 2:4-5  “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
   • God’s immense mercy is highlighted as the reason for our spiritual revival and salvation, underscoring that it is not by our deeds but by His grace.
6. Colossians 3:12  “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
   • Believers are urged to adopt qualities that reflect God’s character, including compassion, which fosters a positive and loving community.
7. James 5:11  “See, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
   • The story of Job is used to illustrate God’s ultimate compassion and mercy, even in times of severe trials and suffering.
8. 1 Peter 1:3  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
   • The mercy of God is celebrated as the source of spiritual rebirth and hope, which is made possible through Jesus’ resurrection.
9. Psalm 103:8  “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
   • This verse beautifully describes the forgiving nature of God, who is rich in love and patience towards us.
10. Matthew 5:7  “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
    • Jesus teaches that showing mercy to others not only reflects God’s character but also promises that mercy will be reciprocated.
11. Psalm 145:9  “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”
    • This verse reassures us of God’s universal goodness and His compassionate regard for all His creation.
12. Lamentations 3:22-23  “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
    • They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Despite the challenges we face, God’s mercies are depicted as ever-present and renewing daily.
13. Hosea 6:6  “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”
    • God values genuine devotion and merciful actions over formal religious observances, prioritizing the heart’s intentions.
14. Luke 10:33-34  “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”
    • The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates practical compassion in action, serving as a model for how we should care for others regardless of their background or status.
15. Isaiah 30:18  “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”
    • Explanation: This verse emphasizes God’s readiness to show compassion and act justly, blessing those who patiently trust in His timing and provision.

Each of these verses offers a profound insight into the nature of God’s mercy and compassion, urging us to clothe ourselves these virtues in our own lives to inspire and uplift those around us.