In Latin, ‘compati’ means “suffer with.” Compassion means someone else’s heartbreak becomes your heartbreak. Another’s suffering becomes your suffering. True compassion changes the way we live. A general definition of compassion is sympathy and concern for the sufferings of others and a desire to alleviate such suffering. We know that, according to the Bible, God is “a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” Psalm 86:15 “ But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Like all of God’s attributes, His compassion is infinite and eternal. His compassions never fail; they are new every morning. The most important object this word is used to describe is God Himself. God is the root and foundation, the spring and fountainhead, of all true compassion
His compassion is more than mere sympathy and pity. God's compassion is related to His mercy, kindness, patience, grace, forgiveness, and love. In fact, some of these attributes are so related and interwoven as to make clear demarcations between them difficult. God's compassion compels Him to take action. He is not a silent observer, but the omnipotent sovereign ruler of the universe. Romans 9:15 “ For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” God's sympathy for our lost and miserable state led Him not only to feel our pain but to provide an atoning sacrifice for our guilt; this He did by sending His Son to die for our sins. Jesus is the Father's most compassionate gift to mankind. It is only by and through faith in Jesus Christ that we are forgiven of our guilt and rescued from our despicable condition.
In Matthew 9:36, we observe Christ's compassion for the harassed and helpless “ But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” In Matthew 14:14, we see His compassion for those who are sick and suffer from disease “ And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” In Matthew 15:32, we witness His compassion for those who hunger “ Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.”
The widows and orphans had a special place in the heart of Jesus. In Luke 7:11–15, see his compassion for the widow of Nain. “Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.” The same was the case of Lazarus. We have a loving and compassionate God who will never leave or forsake us.
Dr Ashwin Drummond
laddertoheaven.co.in