24 Bible Verses About Compassion

In a world that often feels fast-paced and self-focused, compassion can sometimes seem like a rare gem. Yet, it’s one of the most powerful forces we have to connect with others and make a meaningful impact. Compassion isn’t just about feeling sorry for someone; it’s about stepping into their shoes, understanding their struggles, and taking action to help.

The Bible is rich with stories and teachings that highlight the importance of compassion. It’s a thread that weaves through the lives of prophets, disciples, and, most importantly, Jesus himself. Compassion is more than just a nice idea; it’s a call to action that can transform lives and communities.

As you explore these 24 Bible verses about compassion, may you be inspired to open your heart wider, extend a helping hand, and embrace the profound joy that comes from truly caring for others. Let these verses be a gentle reminder that compassion is not just a feeling but a way of life that reflects the love and grace we’ve been shown.

24 Bible Verses About Compassion

Verses About Compassion for Others
Verses About God’s Compassion
Verses About Compassion in Action
Verses About Compassion and Forgiveness
Verses About Compassion for the Vulnerable

Compassion for others is about stepping into someone else’s shoes and feeling their pain or joy. It’s about reaching out with a heart full of empathy and kindness. Think of the Good Samaritan, who went out of his way to help a stranger in need, showing that true compassion knows no boundaries or prejudices. This kind of compassion is about seeing others through a lens of love and care, regardless of their circumstances or backgrounds.

Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

1 Peter 3:8: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

Zechariah 7:9: “This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.'”

Philippians 2:3–4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

God’s compassion is boundless and ever-present, offering comfort and solace in times of need. It’s like the gentle embrace of a parent who never tires of comforting their child. Throughout the scriptures, there are countless instances where God’s compassion is evident, such as when providing manna to the Israelites in the desert or when offering forgiveness and a fresh start to those who have strayed. This divine compassion is a reminder of the unwavering love and mercy that is always available to us.

Psalm 145:8–9: “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”

Lamentations 3:22–23: “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Isaiah 49:13: “Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.”

Micah 7:18–19: “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.”

Compassion in action is about turning feelings into deeds. It’s not just about feeling sorry for someone but doing something to help. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, or simply offering a listening ear, compassion becomes real when it moves us to act. The early church exemplified this by sharing their possessions and ensuring that no one among them was in need. This active compassion transforms lives and communities, making a tangible difference in the world.

James 2:15–16: “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

1 John 3:17–18: “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? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

Matthew 25:35–36: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Luke 10:33–34: “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.”

Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

Compassion and forgiveness are intertwined, as true compassion often leads to letting go of grudges and offering a clean slate. When we think of forgiveness, the story of Joseph comes to mind. Despite being wronged by his brothers, Joseph chose to forgive them, showing compassion that healed old wounds and restored relationships. This kind of compassion is about understanding and releasing the past to embrace a future filled with peace and reconciliation.

Matthew 18:21–22: “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”

Luke 6:36: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Mark 11:25: “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Compassion for the vulnerable is about recognizing and responding to the needs of those who are often overlooked or marginalized. It’s about standing up for the widow, the orphan, and the stranger, just as the prophets of old called the people to do. This compassion is about being a voice for the voiceless and offering support to those who cannot support themselves. It’s a call to action that challenges us to look beyond our own comfort and extend a helping hand to those in need.

Psalm 82:3: “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”

Proverbs 31:8–9: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

James 1:27: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Deuteronomy 15:11: “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.”