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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Compassion for Others</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/c/compassion_for_others.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/psalms/103-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/c/compassion.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Compassion for Others</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/c/compassion_for_enemies.htm" title="Compassion for Enemies">◄</a> Compassion for Others <a href="/topical/c/compassion_for_the_afflicted.htm" title="Compassion for the Afflicted">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Definition and Importance</b> <br>Compassion for others is a fundamental Christian virtue characterized by a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering, coupled with a desire to alleviate that suffering. It is an expression of love and mercy, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Compassion is not merely an emotional response but is often accompanied by action to help those in need.<br><br><b>Biblical Foundation</b> <br>The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the importance of compassion. In the Old Testament, God is frequently described as compassionate. For instance, <a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13</a> states, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him." This verse highlights God's paternal care and mercy towards His people.<br><br>In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies compassion through His ministry. <a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Matthew 9:36</a> describes Jesus' response to the crowds: "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 led Him to teach, heal, and ultimately sacrifice Himself for humanity's salvation.<br><br><b>Teachings of Jesus</b> <br>Jesus taught His followers to practice compassion. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan (<a href="/luke/10-25.htm">Luke 10:25-37</a>), Jesus illustrates that true neighborly love transcends ethnic and social boundaries. The Samaritan's actions demonstrate that compassion involves practical assistance and personal sacrifice.<br><br>Moreover, in <a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a> , Jesus emphasizes the importance of caring for others: "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you looked after Me; I was in prison and you visited Me." Jesus identifies Himself with the needy, teaching that acts of compassion towards others are acts of service to Him.<br><br><b>Apostolic Teachings</b> <br>The apostles continued to teach the importance of compassion in the early church. The Apostle Paul, in <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12</a> , instructs believers: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Compassion is listed as a key attribute of a Christian's character, essential for community life and witness.<br><br>The Apostle John also emphasizes love and compassion in 1 <a href="/john/3-17.htm">John 3:17</a> : "If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?" This rhetorical question underscores that genuine faith is evidenced by compassionate action.<br><br><b>Practical Application</b> <br>Compassion for others is not limited to feelings but is demonstrated through tangible actions. Christians are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world, serving those in need, advocating for justice, and providing comfort to the suffering. This includes acts of charity, hospitality, and support for the marginalized and oppressed.<br><br>The church, as the body of Christ, is tasked with fostering a community of compassion, where believers support one another and reach out to the wider world. Compassionate living is a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel and a reflection of God's love for humanity.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/compassion.htm">Compassion</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--christ_set_an_example_of.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Christ Set an Example of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--david.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: David</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--elijah.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Elijah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--exercise_towards--enemies.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: Enemies</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--exercise_towards--saints.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: Saints</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--exercise_towards--the_afflicted.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Afflicted</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--exercise_towards--the_chastened.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Chastened</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--exercise_towards--the_poor.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Poor</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--exercise_towards--the_weak.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Weak</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--exhortation_to.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Exhortation To</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--illustrated.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Illustrated</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--inseparable_from_love_to_god.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Inseparable from Love to God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--jews.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Jews</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--job.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Job</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--job's_friends.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Job's Friends</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--motives_to_the_compassion_of_god.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Motives to The Compassion of God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--motives_to_the_sense_of_our_infirmities.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Motives to The Sense of Our Infirmities</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--nehemiah.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Nehemiah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--paul.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Paul</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--pharaoh's_daughter.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Pharaoh's Daughter</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--promise_to_those_who_show.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Promise to Those Who Show</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--shobi.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Shobi</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--the_wicked_made_to_feel,_for_saints.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: The Wicked Made to Feel, for Saints</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--an_encouragement_to_prayer.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: An Encouragement to Prayer</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--manifested_for_the--afflicted.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Afflicted</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--manifested_for_the--diseased.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Diseased</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--manifested_for_the--perishing_sinners.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Perishing Sinners</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--manifested_for_the--poor.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Poor</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--manifested_for_the--tempted.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Tempted</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--manifested_for_the--weak_in_faith.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Weak in Faith</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--manifested_for_the--weary_and_heavy-laden.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Weary and Heavy-Laden</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--necessary_to_his_priestly_office.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Necessary to his Priestly office</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lord'the.htm">Lord'the (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/is'the.htm">Is'the (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/the.htm">The (669438 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/oak-the.htm">Oak-the (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/saying'the.htm">Saying'the (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jok'the-el.htm">Jok'the-el (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/the-oph'ilus.htm">The-oph'ilus (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/the-not-beloved.htm">The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/ko'hathites.htm">Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kohathite.htm">Kohathite (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kir'iath-je'arim.htm">Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zin.htm">Zin (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zarephath.htm">Zarephath (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kirjathjearim.htm">Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vintage.htm">Vintage (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kore.htm">Kore (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/knives.htm">Knives (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zidonians.htm">Zidonians (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kareah.htm">Kareah (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vegetation.htm">Vegetation (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kanah.htm">Kanah (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vine-dressers.htm">Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vicinity.htm">Vicinity (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zeboim.htm">Zeboim (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kadeshbarnea.htm">Kadeshbarnea (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kare'ah.htm">Kare'ah (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/volition.htm">Volition</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kol.htm">Kol</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kirjath-jearim.htm">Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vashti.htm">Vashti (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zabdi.htm">Zabdi (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/knitted.htm">Knitted (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kids.htm">Kids (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/killeth.htm">Killeth (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vial.htm">Vial (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zelophehad.htm">Zelophehad (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/home-born.htm">Home-born (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kingship.htm">Kingship (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kadesh-barnea.htm">Kadesh-barnea (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zealot.htm">Zealot (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kibroth-hattaavah.htm">Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kibrothhattaavah.htm">Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/victorious.htm">Victorious (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zacchaeus.htm">Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zenas.htm">Zenas (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kneel.htm">Kneel (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zachariah.htm">Zachariah (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kebar.htm">Kebar (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kerethites.htm">Kerethites (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zeeb.htm">Zeeb (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zoheleth.htm">Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zarethan.htm">Zarethan (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kinnereth.htm">Kinnereth (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/knowledge.htm">Knowledge</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/knelt.htm">Knelt (20 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/visible.htm">Visible (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zeus.htm">Zeus (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/ziph.htm">Ziph (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zebadiah.htm">Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zorah.htm">Zorah (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kenite.htm">Kenite (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kick.htm">Kick (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kedar.htm">Kedar (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zichri.htm">Zichri (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/ko'rahites.htm">Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zeru'iah.htm">Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kei'lah.htm">Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/num/24000.htm">24000 (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vapor.htm">Vapor (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vanished.htm">Vanished (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/verdict.htm">Verdict (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/violated.htm">Violated (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/knop.htm">Knop (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/visiting.htm">Visiting (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zaphon.htm">Zaphon (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zephani'ah.htm">Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zaccur.htm">Zaccur (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/koz.htm">Koz (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p 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