The Importance of a Compassionate Heart

The definition of compassion is seeing the needs and suffering of others, and having a desire to help.

And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, “I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” - Matthew 15:32

Compassion results in caring for other people. Jesus lived an example of compassion with His life. Jesus had the compassion to take care of the hurting, broken, and suffering people. Here are some instances of Jesus feeling compassion. Matthew 9:36, Matthew 14:14, Matthew 20:34, Mark 1:41, Mark 6:34, Mark 8:2, Luke 7:13

Jesus’ compassion often caused Him to stop and go out of His way to help people. Do I do this? Compassion goes beyond helping people when it is easy or convenient or only helping every now and then. Compassion is helping even when circumstances are difficult or when it costs me. I’ll give an example of how God taught me the importance of having a compassionate heart to serve others.

Several days ago, I had a list of things I wanted to finish, and I was delighted at how quickly I was moving through the list. I was halfway done with the second task, when my sister asked for help with a math problem. I was happy to help. After my sister finished the problem, I went back to what I was doing, eager to move through my list. Then I remembered something else I needed to do: sweep up the sand in the bathroom. I went to get the broom, but before I could start sweeping, my sister asked for my help again. I went to help her but not as willing as the first time. I had things I needed to do. After helping her, I once again went back to my tasks when she asked for help again. I had to take a moment and remind myself to smile when I went to help and she joked, “You should just stay here until I finish.” I stayed and helped her until she finished, but I was having a hard time keeping a happy attitude. When I finally got back to sweeping, sewing, and writing, I realized a lack of compassion kept me from truly wanting to help and kept me from helping joyfully. I started out happy to help, but then my eagerness to finish my own important tasks distracted me. I did not have the right heart. I thought my tasks were more important (and could not wait, although they really could wait). If I had been concerned for my sister and her frustration towards math, I would have been more eager to help. Compassion is being able to set aside my plans so I can help someone who has a need. 

There is nothing wrong with wanting to take care of personal needs and tasks, but Jesus has made it clear that is important to consider the needs of others and show them compassion. Proverbs 3:27-28 says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it’—when you have it with you.”

Don’t let “those to whom it is due” make you selective in your help. Jesus clarified that we are to love enemies as well as neighbors. 

“And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:40-44). 

I become selfish when I do not see other’s needs as important. Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” The verses following Philippians 2:4 describe how Jesus Himself showed this selflessness by dying on a cross. I am to follow His example (Matthew 20:26-28).

Having compassion motivates people to continue to go and serve. Without compassion, helping and serving others becomes just an obligation and there is no love in it. Jesus saw people as sheep without a shepherd so He taught them. He saw their pain and healed them. He took notice of people and loved them. He did not see them as burdens. He loved them and that is why He could give so much of Himself to others. When God fills our hearts with His love we can give God’s love to others. We need to see people as loved by God and remember we are His hands and feet that share compassion.