1. Psalm 103:13
“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.” — Psalm 103:13 (KJV) God's compassion is compared to the tenderness of a loving father toward his children. When you are hurting, you don't have to hide your pain from God. He understands human weakness and invites us to come to Him.2. Psalm 103:8
“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” — Psalm 103:8 (KJV) God's character is marked by mercy and patience. He is not eager to condemn. His compassion gives us confidence to approach Him when we have failed, struggled, or become overwhelmed.3. Lamentations 3:22–23
“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” “They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV) God's compassion does not run out. Every morning is a reminder that His mercy is still available. Even after a difficult season, you can begin again with God.4. Psalm 145:8
“The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.” — Psalm 145:8 (KJV) Compassion is part of God's character. He is described as gracious, compassionate, patient, and merciful. As followers of God, we are called to reflect these qualities in our relationships with others.5. Psalm 145:9
“The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” — Psalm 145:9 (KJV) God's goodness extends beyond a small group of people. His compassion reminds us that every person has value and deserves to be treated with dignity.6. Psalm 86:15
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” — Psalm 86:15 (KJV) When you don't know where to turn, remember God's character. He is compassionate. He is gracious. He is patient. He is merciful.7. Micah 7:18
“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage?” “He retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.” — Micah 7:18 (KJV) God's mercy is not reluctant. Scripture says that He “delighteth in mercy.” This gives us a picture of a God who desires restoration rather than endlessly holding our failures against us.8. Matthew 9:36
“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.” — Matthew 9:36 (KJV) Jesus did not simply notice the crowds. He saw their condition and was moved with compassion. Compassion begins with learning to truly see people—their struggles, fears, loneliness, and needs.9. Matthew 14:14
“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” — Matthew 14:14 (KJV) Jesus' compassion moved Him toward action. Compassion is not only an emotion. It asks: “What can I do to help?” Sometimes the answer is practical help. Sometimes it is listening, encouragement, prayer, or simply being present.10. Mark 6:34
“And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd.” — Mark 6:34 (KJV) Jesus recognized that people needed guidance. Compassion includes caring about someone's spiritual and emotional condition, not only their physical needs.11. Luke 7:13
“And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.” — Luke 7:13 (KJV) Jesus encountered a widow grieving the death of her only son. He saw her suffering and responded with compassion. This reminds us that sometimes compassion begins simply by noticing someone's grief.12. Luke 10:33
“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him.” — Luke 10:33 (KJV) The Good Samaritan did not walk past a wounded man. He stopped and helped. Jesus used this story to illustrate what loving our neighbor can look like in practice. Compassion often requires us to interrupt our own plans to help someone else.13. Luke 15:20
“But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” — Luke 15:20 (KJV) In the story of the prodigal son, the father responds to his returning son with compassion. The passage provides a powerful picture of forgiveness, restoration, and the joy of reconciliation.14. Colossians 3:12
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” — Colossians 3:12 (KJV) Compassion should become part of our character. Paul connects mercy with kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These qualities are especially important in difficult relationships.15. Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (KJV) A compassionate heart is tender toward others. Instead of immediately assuming the worst about someone, try to understand what they may be experiencing. Compassion makes room for forgiveness.16. 1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.” — 1 Peter 3:8 (KJV) Peter directly calls believers to have compassion for one another. Christian community should not be built only on shared beliefs but also on empathy, kindness, and genuine concern for one another.17. Zechariah 7:9
“Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother.” — Zechariah 7:9 (KJV) Compassion and justice belong together. Being compassionate does not mean ignoring wrongdoing. It means pursuing what is right while still treating people with mercy and dignity.18. Proverbs 19:17
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” — Proverbs 19:17 (KJV) God cares about how we treat people who are struggling financially or materially. Compassion can become practical through generosity, food, shelter, assistance, or other forms of support.19. Hebrews 4:15–16
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” — Hebrews 4:15–16 (KJV) Jesus understands human weakness. When you are struggling, you don't have to approach God pretending that everything is fine. You can come honestly and ask for mercy and grace.20. Jude 1:22
“And of some have compassion, making a difference.” — Jude 1:22 (KJV) Compassion can make a difference in someone's life. You may never know how much a listening ear, encouraging word, act of generosity, or moment of patience means to another person.What the Bible Teaches About Compassion
The Bible encourages us to:Notice people who are hurting.
Listen to people who are struggling.
Show mercy.
Forgive.
Help people in need.
Visit the lonely.
Encourage the discouraged.
Be patient with others.
Treat vulnerable people with dignity.
Help without expecting something in return.
Show compassion toward people who have made mistakes.
Care about both physical and spiritual needs.
Pray for people who are suffering.
Respond to pain with love rather than judgment.
Reflect God's mercy through our actions.
Compassion for Someone Who Is Hurting
Sometimes you don't know what to say to someone who is grieving. You don't need to have the perfect words. Sometimes compassion simply means: “I'm here.” “You don't have to go through this alone.” “I'm praying for you.” “How can I help?” Presence can be more powerful than advice. Compassion Without Enabling Wrongdoing Compassion does not mean approving everything someone does. You can love someone and still tell them the truth. You can forgive someone while maintaining appropriate boundaries. You can show mercy while still seeking justice. You can care about someone without allowing them to continually harm you. Biblical compassion seeks the good of another person—not simply their temporary comfort.