Compassion

σπλαγχνίζομαι (splagch-nizomai)
Compasion
σπλαγχνίζομαι (splagch-nizomai)
To feel deeply or viscerally (i.e.
related to deep inward feelings
rather than to the intellect), to
yearn, have compassion, pity, to
be moved as to one's bowels
σπλάγχνον (splagch-non)
An intestine, bowel
Acts 1:18 (NIV):
(With the payment he received for his
wickedness, Judas bought a field; there
he fell headlong, his body burst open
and all his intestines spilled out.
GRK: πάντα τὰ σπλάγχνα αὐτοῦ
KJV: all his bowels gushed out.
What Does the Bible Teach About
Compassion?

● Jesus Had Compassion

● His Compassion Was Not Just About Feelings; It Led
to Action
● We, His Children, Ought to Exhibit Similar Compassion
● Although God has compassion, we need to balance our
thinking by bearing in mind that He is also a God who
judges
Jesus Had Compassion

● Matthew 9:36: When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them,

because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
● Matthew 14:14 (NIV): When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had
compassion on them and healed their sick.
● Matthew 20:34 (NIV): Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.
Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
● Mark 6:34 (NIV): When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had
compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he
began teaching them many things.
● Mark 8:2 (NIV): “I have compassion for these people; they have already been
with me three days and have nothing to eat.
● Luke 7:13 (World English Bible): When the Lord saw her, he had compassion
on her, and said to her, "Don't cry."
His Compassion Was Not Just About
Feelings; It Led to Action (1)
● Matthew 9:36-38 (NIV): 36 When he saw the crowds, he had
compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like
sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The
harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the
harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

● Matthew 14:14 (NIV): When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he
had compassion on them and healed their sick.

● Matthew 20:34 (NIV): Jesus had compassion on them and touched

their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
His Compassion Was Not Just About
Feelings; It Led to Action (2)
● Mark 6:34 (NIV): When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he
had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a
shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

● Mark 8:1-3 (NIV; Feeding of the Four Thousand): During those days
another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus
called his disciples to him and said, 2 “I have compassion for these
people; they have already been with me three days and have
nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on
the way, because some of them have come a long distance.”
His Compassion Was Not Just About
Feelings; It Led to Action (3)
● Luke 7:12-13 (World English Bible): Now when he drew near
to the gate of the city, behold, one who was dead was
carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a
widow. Many people of the city were with her. When the Lord
saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, "Don't
cry.” He came near and touched the coffin, and the bearers
stood still. He said, "Young man, I tell you, arise!“ He who
was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to
his mother.
We, His Children, Ought to Exhibit
Similar Compassion
● Ephesians 4:32-5:1 (NIV): Be kind and compassionate to one
another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in
the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as
a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

● Colossians 3:12 (NIV): Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and

dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness and patience.

● 1 Peter 3:8 (NIV): Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic,

love one another, be compassionate and humble.
Although God has compassion, we need to
balance our thinking by bearing in mind that He
is also a God who judges

Isaiah 3 (NIV)
 Although God has compassion, we need to
balance our thinking by bearing in mind that He
is also a God who judges

Revelation 18 (NET)
 But Even After the Lord has disciplined, He shows
compassion

Daniel 7 (NET)
RECALL: What Does the Bible Teach About
Compassion?

● Jesus Had Compassion

● His Compassion Was Not Just About Feelings; It Led
to Action
● We, His Children, Ought to Exhibit Similar Compassion
● Although God has compassion, we need to balance our
thinking by bearing in mind that He is also a God who
judges
Reflection Questions
● Do you have any reflections on today’s lessons?

○ We live in a cut-throat, ‘dog eat dog’ society. Do you find it easy to

show compassion? Even if you don’t find it easy, is it necessary
to show compassion. Why?

○ Do you find that it is easy to show compassion to some people

and not others. Why?

○ Do you have a real-life example of someone who has shown you

compassion, and which is something that you would remember
for the rest of your life?