1. Compassion

2. Introduction The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines “compassion” as “sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.” The Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines “compassion” as “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.”

3. Greek Noun Literally: “the inward parts (heart, liver, lungs, etc.) [Thomas] “the inward parts of a body, including esp. the viscera, entrails” [BDAG] “bowels, intestines, (heart, lungs, liver, etc.)” [Strong] Figuratively: “the emotions” [Thomas] “the seat of the emotions, i.e., the heart” [BDAG] “the seat of the tenderer affections, esp. kindness, benevolence, compassion; hence our heart (tender mercies, affections, etc.)” [Strong]

4. Greek Verb “to be moved in the inward parts, i.e. to feel compassion” [Thomas]. “to have pity, feel sympathy” [BDAG]. “to be moved as to one’s bowels, hence to be moved with compassion” [Strong].

5. Characteristic of Deity This spiritual quality is a characteristic of deity, being manifested by God the Father and Christ the Son (Luke 1:78-79; Philippians 1:8; James 5:10-11).

6. Duty of Disciples Christians must manifest a spirit of compassion (Ephesians 4:31-32; Philippians 2:1-2; Colossians 3:12-13; 1 Peter 3:8-9). Though lacking in the lives of the faithless (2 Corinthians 6:11-13; 1 John 3:17-18), it is exemplified in the lives of the faithful (2 Corinthians 7:15; Philemon 7, 12, 20).

7. Exemplified in the Ministry of Jesus Preaching and Teaching (Matthew 9:35-38; Mark 6:33-34) Feeding the Hungry (Matthew 15:32-38; Mark 8:1-9) Healing the Sick (Matthew 14:13-14; 20:29- 34; Mark 1:40-45) Casting out Demons (Mark 9:14-29) Raising the Dead (Luke 7:11-17)

8. Emphasized in the Message of Jesus The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11- 32)

9. Conclusion God has been compassionate toward lost mankind (Luke 1:78-79; Philippians 1:8; 2:1- 2; James 5:10-11). We should be likeminded toward one another (Ephesians 4:31-32; Colossians 3:12-13; 1 Peter 3:8-9; 1 John 3:17-18).