Compassion in the heart displayed consideration and a genuine desire to heal or help those in need. The word compassion is a noun, but it is shown through actions. It is an intangible noun that cannot be grasped like an object. It is an expression of concern that will devise solutions to give hope in adverse situations.
“And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh” (Jude 1:22-23).
Merciful Healers
In the first century era, very few systems were devised to alleviate suffering for injured and sick people. Therefore, people that were disabled and poor suffered miserably. “A pool in Jerusalem near the sheep market was named Bethesda (House of Mercy or House of Grace) had five porches. Within the five porches lay a great multitude of disabled blind, cripple, and withered people waiting for the moving of the water in the pool. An angel would go down to the pool and trouble the water. Whosoever was first to get in the water was made whole of whatever disease he had” (John 5:2-4). Only one person healed in a season out of the multitude of sick people!
When Jesus Christ began His ministry in the first century era, He observed the suffering people and understood their needs. He displayed great compassion and desired all to be healed, Jesus healed all their diseases. He fed the hungry, cast out evil spirits, and preached the Gospel of the Kingdom to reconcile them to God.
“Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous” (Psalm 112:4). “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy” (Psalm 145:8).
Compassion was shown throughout the Bible in many adverse situations. God’s compassion for people was exhibited through the apostle Paul. He preached and taught the Gospel of the Kingdom to Gentile nations. Paul performed special miracles healing the sick, casting out evil spirits and encouraging God’s righteous ways for human life (Galatians 5:19-25).
As Paul traveled to various cities spreading God’s message, he entered the city of Ephesus. While in Ephesus, he observed the cultural beliefs of the people. There were many worshippers of Diana, a mythological Roman goddess of hunting, nature, and the moon. Also, Diana was worshipped as a protector of the forest and animals. But many Ephesians turned away from goddess worship and other ungodly practices after hearing Paul’s preaching and teaching.
However, certain business craftsmen had gained much wealth making figurines of Diana. When fearing their wealth was jeopardized, they spoke against Paul and caused great confusion throughout the city contradicting Paul’s teachings (Act 19:24-32). But the craftsmen were not the only ones prospering from people’s cultural beliefs.
Ancient political and religious leaders prosper greatly from people lacking knowledge and understanding. Political leaders encouraged beliefs in various gods such as Jupiter, Mars, and other inanimate objects. Also, they encouraged philosophical ideas to harden the heart and display no emotions. “Seemingly indifferent to or unaffected by pleasure or pain.[1] Ancient religious leaders falsely interpreted God’s Word and misled the people. Plans to alleviate suffering were virtually nonexistent. Numerous and unnecessary hardships plagued people’s lives.
Sympathetic Heart
God desires all should be saved and has expressed His compassion through prophets, kings, disciples, and apostles. “He has made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion” (Psalm 111:4). Through God’s compassion for His human creation, plans have been devised to save lives and souls with the desire to prosper all people.
Throughout history, many people have been filled with compassion and motivated to devise righteous plans that alleviated suffering and lack of knowledge. Through churches, corporations, and government programs, assistance is provided for people to acquire housing, gain financial stability, and obtain education. Although some oppose helping those in need, the prosperity of numerous people is evident that compassion benefits a nation.
The compassion of one person’s observance of the disproportionate number of uneducated people advocated to educate a nation. Horace Mann was a Massachusetts legislator and educator. He is known as the father of the American education…[2] Mann understood the disparity when only a few are educated in a society. He advocated for a universal education system.
In Summary
Human history has shown where compassion is lacking hardship prevail in people’s lives. As exhibited in ancient Rome where political leaders worshipped false gods and foolish philosophies and harden their hearts to dominate over the population. The ancient Ephesus business craftsmen used cultural beliefs and lack of understanding to gain wealth from the people. While ancient religious leaders misrepresented God’s Word to deceive people.
Compassion is a feeling of sympathy and sadness for those sufferings and a desire to help alleviate suffering.[3] Compassionate people observe adverse situations and initiate plans to resolve problems that benefit the whole of society, not only a few.
“Finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil…” (1 Peter3:8-9).
[1] Stoic. Accessed February 27, 2026, from The American Heritage Dictionary.
[2] Cremin, Lawrence A. “Horace Mann”. Encyclopedia Britannica, February 9, 2026, Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Horace-Mann.
[3] Compassion. Accessed February 27, 2026, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org.
Scripture from King James Version Bible www.kjvbible.net and www.kingjamesbibleonline.org.
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