The dictionary defines compassion as a sympathetic awareness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it. I often pair compassion with the idea of lovingkindness, which refers to tender and benevolent affection. Moreover, compassion and mercy are often linked together, as in the spiritual gift. These ideas resonate with me! My word of the year is cultivate, and so I’ve been thinking about intentional growth in many key areas. For now, let’s focus on ways to cultivate compassion.
Bible verses to help cultivate compassion:
Psalm 103:8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate, very patient, and full of faithful love.
Psalm 145:9 The Lord is good to everyone and everything; God’s compassion extends to all God’s handiwork.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.
Mark 6:34 When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Thoughts on these verses
These passages weave together a tapestry of God’s compassion and the call for us to embody that same spirit in our lives. They reveal God as both infinitely merciful and actively present in caring for us. Psalm 103:8 highlights God’s patient and faithful love, while Psalm 145:9 reminds us that God’s compassion extends universally to all of us, not limited by circumstance or person.
In the New Testament, the call becomes personal and practical. Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:12 challenge us to mirror God’s compassion in our relationships. We are invited to choose kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, clothing ourselves in virtues that reflect God’s heart. These verses recognize that compassion is not just a feeling but an intentional practice that shapes our interactions with others.
Compassion isn’t just encouraged—it’s central to who we are called to be, rooted in God’s compassionate nature. Jesus’ life exemplifies this perfectly. Mark 6:34 portrays a moment when Jesus, moved by compassion, ministered to a weary and lost crowd. His response was not mere sympathy but active care, meeting their physical and spiritual needs.
Collectively, these verses emphasize that compassion flows from God and that God calls us to embody that same love. Compassion asks us to see beyond ourselves, to be moved by the struggles of others, and to respond with kindness, patience, and gentleness. This transformative love reshapes our hearts and, through us, touches the world.
These scriptures prompt us to ask: How can we clothe ourselves with compassion today? In what ways can we embody God’s compassionate nature to those in need?
Digging a little deeper with Colossians 3:12
Let’s restate it: Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Paul begins by reminding us of our identity: we are God’s choice, holy and loved. This affirmation is essential. God sees us as beloved, set apart for divine purposes—not because of anything we’ve done but because of God’s abundant grace. This identity provides the foundation for how we are called to live.
The phrase “put on” suggests an intentional and daily practice. Just as we consciously choose clothing to wear each day, Paul invites us to clothe ourselves spiritually with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These virtues shape how we interact with the world, reflecting God’s love in tangible ways.
Compassion is at the heart of this list—a deep empathy that moves us to action for others. Kindness and mercy flow from compassion, urging us to treat others with grace and generosity. Humility keeps our hearts grounded, reminding us that we are no better than anyone else. Gentleness leads us to approach others with care and tenderness. Finally, patience calls us to endure with a steady, loving spirit, even when situations or people test us.
Collectively, these virtues paint a picture of a community rooted in love and mutual care. When we choose to “put on” these qualities, we mirror the character of God and foster environments where grace, peace, and healing can flourish.
This verse challenges us to ask: How are we clothing ourselves each day? Do our interactions reflect compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience?
A few practical ways for us to cultivate compassion:
1. Practice active listening.
Take time to truly listen when someone is speaking—without interrupting or planning your response. Ask thoughtful questions that show care for their experience.
2. Look for everyday opportunities to help.
Simple acts of kindness, like holding the door, offering a smile, or helping carry groceries build a mindset of compassion.
3. Walk in forgiveness.
Let go of small grievances and extend grace to those who have wronged you. This brings me back to the idea of mercy. Remember Ephesians 4:32 and the challenge to forgive as God has forgiven us.
4. Reflect on Jesus’ compassion.
Spend time meditating on stories where Jesus showed compassion, such as Mark 6:34. Consider how you might mirror his actions in your interactions.
5. Cultivate empathy.
When someone is struggling, put yourself in their shoes. Ask, “What might this person be feeling, and how would I want to be treated in their place?”
6. Serve others regularly.
Volunteer at a food pantry, nursing home, or community event. Compassion grows when we engage with people in different walks of life.
7. Pray for a compassionate heart.
Ask God to soften your heart and open your eyes to those in need.
8. Keep a gratitude and kindness journal.
Each day, write down one thing you’re grateful for and one way you showed or received compassion.
How would you like to cultivate compassion? Any thoughts?
Compassion, lovingkindness, and mercy all go together. They create a beautiful picture of caring for one another.
Other posts you may like:
- word of the year (where I introduce CULTIVATE as my word of the year)
- cultivate hospitality
- cultivate authenticity
- cultivate connection
- cultivate hope: a biblical perspective
- The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel: five stars!
- easy chicken salad–with a twist!
- 9 famous mothers and their timeless lessons
Fondly,
Crysti
Thank you for this post about cultivating compassion. I already keep a journal, and now will add gratitude and compassion portions. Thanks for the idea!
I’m so glad you liked it! This is my favorite CULTIVATE post. It really spoke to me.