Compassion in the Bible
The Bible contains powerful examples of people acting with compassion. Many Bible stories are filled with kindness, mercy and compassion — and include calls for God’s people to follow the example of heroes of the faith.
Beyond the well-known stories of David and Goliath, Jonah and the whale, Cain and Abel and others taught in Sunday school, the Bible holds a treasure trove of stories that highlight a heart of compassion.
For example, Joseph of Arimathea prepared his personal tomb for Jesus. And one woman washed Jesus’ feet with her hair. Through these Biblical characters, we learn that showing compassion isn’t simply about being nice — it can be an act of worship for our Savior.
Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV) says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
9 Examples of Compassion in God's Word
When others keep their distance, a compassionate person steps in. Compassion means more than just feeling sorry for someone. There are numerous examples in the Bible of compassionate characters showing empathy, showing mercy to someone or experiencing compassion themselves.
The true definition of compassion involves a tangible expression of love for those who are suffering. Compassion is not just an awareness of another person’s suffering. It moves beyond a simple desire to reduce suffering.
A compassionate person recognizes the suffering of others and then takes action to help. Here are some Biblical examples of what is means to show compassion.
1. Ruth
Ruth loved her mother-in-law, Naomi, and had compassion for her. Naomi’s husband and sons had died. In an act of selfless compassion and empathy, Ruth traveled with Naomi back to Bethlehem and settled there with her.
If you’ve ever heard someone called "ruthless," it means that person is heartless or without compassion. The biblical Ruth wasn’t ruthless. Instead, she is a beautiful example of tenderness, care and biblical compassion.
2. Boaz
In Ruth’s Bible story, Boaz also proved to be a compassionate Bible character. He instructed the workers in his field to leave grain for Ruth to pick up. This provided Ruth with the food she needed to survive. This is an example of compassion and sharing acts of kindness with the needy.
3. The Widow of Zarephath
In 1 Kings we learn the story of Elijah and an unnamed widow. Even though the widow was in great need herself, she prepared a meal for Elijah. The widow’s food supply was extended — a miracle from God.
4. Moses
As a prominent Bible character in the Old Testament, Moses was chosen to bring redemption to the Israelites as he led them in an exodus from captivity in Egypt to salvation in the promised land.
He stood before Pharaoh and watched God’s plan unfold, and he learned that with God’s help, he could be a compassionate leader of his people.
5. Joseph
After being sold into slavery and then rising to power in Egypt, Joseph showed compassion to his brothers when they came to Egypt looking for food. This makes Joseph one of the greatest stories of compassion in the Bible.
6. Dorcas
In Acts, a woman is introduced as one known for her care of widows and her provisions of clothing for the poor. She was much loved in Joppa. When she became very ill and died, the townspeople called for Peter.
He took Dorcas by the hand and brought her back from the dead. What a fine example Dorcas is to us today. She met the needs of those around her and when she was gone, her absence left a void.
7. Paul
Several of Paul’s letters in the New Testament speak of raising money for the poor in Jerusalem. He compels the church to join him in this endeavor. What a heart of compassion!
8. Barnabas
The New Testament depicts Barnabas as a man who was delighted to see others exhibiting the grace of God in their lives, exhorting and encouraging them to remain faithful. He is nicknamed “Son of Encouragement” because of his inclination to serve others.
9. The Good Samaritan
Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan — a story of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. During his travels, the man is robbed of everything he had and beaten. The good Samaritan came by and saw a person in dire need of help.
He gives the man medical attention and takes him to an inn. The good Samaritan cared for his neighbor, a phenomenal act of compassion.
The Compassion of Our Heavenly Father
Our greatest example of compassion in the Bible is our Heavenly Father. Psalm 86:15 (NIV) says, “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
In the Old Testament, we see the image of God protecting the Israelites in the shadow of his wings, like a mother bird protecting her hatchlings. We also see God described as sheltering his people like a bird covering its young.
Psalm 57:1 (NIV) says, “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.”
God’s compassion toward us is infinite and eternal. In fact, his compassions are new every morning and they never fail (Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV). Our God comforts his people with compassion.
One of the most poignant examples of compassion in the Bible is when Jesus showed compassion at the grave of Lazarus. When Jesus saw Lazarus’ friends weeping, he wept alongside them (John 11:33-35, NIV).
Over and over, our Lord Jesus Christ felt compassion on people, healing them and comforting them. He saw the large crowd as sheep without a shepherd, and he came to give them purpose and shelter.
As the Son of God, Jesus possessed more than we can ever imagine. Even so, he gave up everything, voluntarily and selflessly sacrificing himself for us so that we could have eternal life. In that sacrifice, we see the greatest example of compassion in the Bible.
Responding to Compassion in the Bible
The stories of compassion in the Bible should motivate us to put compassion into action.
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day asked Jesus, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Matthew 22:36-39, NIV).
This means that compassion is not just an attribute of God, but also a quality of his people.
1 John 3:17 (NIV) says, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
When others may keep their distance from those who are suffering, godly compassion prompts us to act on behalf of the hurting. When we see people who are poor, lacking basic necessities or are fatherless, we are called to show mercy through compassionate action.
As we consider the compassion God has shown to us, we can respond with compassion to those around us.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. — Ephesians 4:32, NIV
How to Act Compassionately
Every day, children facing poverty around the world experience the love of Jesus and the support of their local church community through Compassion’s sponsorship program.
At child development centers run by our local church partners, children in poverty receive the practical and spiritual care they need to thrive. They have access to health care, nutritious meals, clean water and education. Most importantly, they hear the good news of Jesus.
When you sponsor a child through Compassion, you are personally connected with a boy or girl who will know your name, cherish the thought that you care for them and benefit from your compassion.
Your sponsorship helps a child know they are known, loved and protected.
