Compassion in Action
Feeling and doing.
Pity feels. Compassion moves.
The big idea
Compassion is the willingness to enter someone else's pain and stay there a while.
What does “Compassion in Action” walk through?
Moved with Compassion
Luke 10:33 · KJV
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him.
In plain English
A Samaritan came along, saw the wounded man, and was moved with compassion — and then he stopped to help.
Crossing the Road
The priest and Levite saw and walked by. The Samaritan saw and crossed over. Compassion is what makes you cross the road. Without that, all the religion in the world doesn't help anyone.
Put On Compassion
Colossians 3:12 · KJV
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.
In plain English
Wear compassion like clothing — kindness, humility, gentleness, patience.
“Compassion is empathy with shoes on.”
Notice First
Compassion starts with noticing. The clerk having a bad day. The friend who's been quiet. The neighbor who looks tired. Most people don't get noticed. Be the one who does.
Pray
Father, give me eyes for the people in pain around me. And the courage to cross the road and stop.
Write it down
Who in your life is hurting that you've been too busy to notice? What might compassion look like this week?
You finished: Compassion in Action
Compassion isn't a feeling. It's a movement toward someone in pain. Move.
Which passages does this journey use?
2 passages, drawn from Luke 10:33, Colossians 3:12. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 5 minutes for the whole thing, or 6 short sittings.
- Luke 10:33
- Colossians 3:12
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
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