The Power of Compassion

The Power of Compassion

We're going to talk about The Power of Compassion.

It’s more than just feeling sorry for someone; it’s rolling up our sleeves and loving like Jesus. And honestly, the world could use a lot more of it, right? So, let’s dive into the beauty and power of compassion.

Our main scripture for today is Colossians 3:12 (NLT):“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Compassion is love in action. It’s seeing someone hurting and moving toward them, not away. Jesus did this everywhere He went. He saw people, He touched the untouchable, and He cared. When’s the last time you felt that nudge to reach out to someone instead of walking past?

I’ll never forget a time when my husband showed me compassion when I didn’t deserve it. It was one of those rough days where I snapped at everyone, and instead of snapping back, he just looked at me, came over, gave me a hug, and told me he loved me. He knew I was struggling—we’d already talked about it—but in that moment, he helped me without saying a word. He saw me and knew I just needed a hug.

When my kids were little and they’d get upset, I always tried to talk with them about the why—why they were upset. I failed a time or two, but for the most part, we got down to it.

Compassion doesn’t always look like a grand gesture. Sometimes it's just listening when you’d rather check your phone, holding the door a little longer instead of walking away, or letting someone go ahead of you in traffic (even when they don’t deserve it!).

Grace and compassion often walk hand in hand.

Have you ever noticed how many places you visit try to greet everyone at the door? It’s because they want you to know you’re seen and that they’re glad you’re there. Sometimes that might be the only welcome someone gets all day.

When you’re thinking about compassion, does anyone come to mind?

Is there someone you can lend an ear or a helping hand to today?

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”

If you feel like you could help someone, don’t hesitate. God may be prompting you—and His timing is always perfect.

When we live with compassion, we start to see people the way God sees them. It softens our hearts and stretches our patience. And let’s be real—we could all use a little more patience some days!

Have you ever had God point something out in you that needed to change?

I know I have.

And when I begin the work, I find myself becoming more and more patient—no matter what the change is—because it all boils down to the most important fruit of the Spirit: love.

Love is what God wants us to have. When we show compassion to others, we’re sharing the love of God with them.

One of the hardest places to show compassion?

When we’ve been hurt.

Oh goodness—being compassionate while upset or hurt... that is hard hard hard. But forgiveness is one of the highest forms of compassion. It doesn’t mean we forget the hurt—it means we choose love over bitterness.

The Bible tells us to turn the other cheek, right? That means forgiving and moving forward without retaliation. Learning forgiveness, no matter the pain, takes time and patience, because our first instinct is often to handle it ourselves. But really, we should stop and pray.

Ask God to help us show compassion and be guided by Him, not our emotions.

Let’s remember our verse for today: Colossians 3:12 (NLT) — “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

I don’t know if you’re like me, but when someone shows you who they really are, part of you just wants to say, “Okay, I’m done.”But then I remember I’m a Christ follower—and I should be different. In that difference, I need to show love and kindness.

Now, I’m not saying to ignore what happened, but I am saying to show compassion in how you respond.

Even when Jesus got upset with people, He still showed love and compassion.

Sometimes we have to grit and bear it, because we may be the only Christian someone ever encounters.

Is there someone you need to forgive?

Compassion might start with seeing the hurt behind their actions. Ask God to help you love them with His eyes.

Has someone ever shown compassion to you that completely turned your day around?

Let’s talk about how to make compassion a lifestyle, not just a one-time thing.

Sometimes we think compassion has to be huge—like starting a charity. But honestly, it’s often in the small, unnoticed things. Sending a text. Paying for the person behind you. Smiling at a stranger.

Sure, big things are great—but just letting someone know you’re thinking about them can be just as powerful.

Jesus was compassion.

Whether He was healing the sick, feeding the hungry, or weeping with the brokenhearted, He showed us that love looks like showing up. He didn’t wait for people to “get it together”—He met them right where they were.

Every time I read the Gospels, I’m struck by the phrase: “Jesus had compassion on them.”He was often on His way somewhere else, and yet He still made time for others.

Has someone ever gone out of their way to help you?

So many churches have outreach programs, and I think that’s amazing. But imagine the impact if every Christian chose to live with radical compassion.

What would our neighborhoods, our churches, our workplaces look like?

Here’s a challenge: This week, look for one way each day to show unexpected kindness. It doesn’t have to be big—just intentional. Let’s be people who bring light into a heavy world.

Let’s be known for the way we love.

Remember—compassion isn’t complicated. It’s seeing people the way Jesus sees them and stepping in with love. You don’t have to fix everything. You just have to be willing to love, listen, and show up.

Let’s clothe ourselves in compassion today—and every day.