Compassion

Compassion is a central theme in the Bible, and it is often described as an attribute of God and a quality that Christians should strive to emulate. The word "compassion" comes from the Latin word "compati," which means "to suffer with."

In the Bible, compassion is closely related to mercy, love, and grace. Compassion is often associated with God's willingness to forgive sinners and to show kindness to those who are suffering or in need.

One of the most well-known passages in the Bible about compassion is found in the book of Matthew, where Jesus says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." (Matthew 5:7) This passage emphasizes the importance of showing compassion to others, as it is through compassion that we can experience God's mercy.

Another passage that speaks to the importance of compassion is found in the book of Colossians, where the apostle Paul writes, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Colossians 3:12) This passage emphasizes the idea that compassion is not just an emotion, but a way of living and interacting with others.

Here are several Bible verses that speak of compassion:

1. Psalm 145:8

2. Psalm 103:13

3. Isaiah 49:15

4. Colossians 3:12

5. Matthew 5:7

6. Psalm 86:15

7. Psalm 145:9

8. Micah 6:8

9. Hebrews 4:16

10. 1 Peter 3:8

These verses demonstrate the importance of compassion in the Bible and encourage Christians to show compassion to others as a reflection of God's character.

Overall, the Bible teaches that compassion is a key aspect of God's character, and it is something that Christians should strive to embody in their own lives. Through compassion, Christians can show God's love and grace to others, and bring hope and healing to a broken world.

The Ministry of Healing, p. 157

Of all people in the world, reformers should be the most unselfish, the most kind, the most courteous. In their lives should be seen the true goodness of unselfish deeds. The worker who manifests a lack of courtesy, who shows impatience at the ignorance or waywardness of others, who speaks hastily or acts thoughtlessly, may close the door to hearts so that he can never reach them.. MH 157.2-MH 157.3

Ellen G. White was a prolific writer and a co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her writings frequently emphasized the importance of compassion, both towards others and towards oneself. Here are a few examples:

1. "The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of sin; it means taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum with the graces of the Holy Spirit. It means divine illumination, rejoicing in God. It means a heart emptied of self, and blessed with the abiding presence of Christ. When Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity, freedom from sin. The glory, the fullness, the completeness of the gospel plan is fulfilled in the life. The acceptance of the Saviour brings a glow of perfect peace, perfect love, perfect assurance. The beauty and fragrance of the character of Christ revealed in the life testifies that God has indeed sent His Son into the world to be its Saviour." (Steps to Christ, p. 62)

2. "True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring." (Ministry of Healing, p. 29) chapter 4, titled "The Touch of Faith,"

3. "Those who have been forgiven much should be the most compassionate, the most ready to forgive." (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 114) The Lord's Prayer

"Those who have been forgiven much should be the most compassionate, the most ready to forgive. Love is the agent which God uses to expel sin from the heart. When love reigns in the soul, there is no room for hatred, envy, or jealousy. The forgiveness of God in the heart is like flowers springing up in the desert, making known to all around that the Spirit of the Lord is working with the receiver."

5. "He [Christ] always carried with Him an atmosphere of cheerfulness, courtesy, and respect, which had a telling influence upon others. If we would follow His example, we should be kind, courteous, and tenderhearted, sympathizing with the joys and sorrows of others, putting ourselves in their place, and ministering to their needs." (Gospel Workers" by Ellen G. White, chapter 26, titled "The Missionary Spirit." It appears on page 192 in the original 1892 edition of the book.)

Compassion for the erring must be mingled with discernment to see sin in all its deceptive allurements, and courage to rebuke it" (Christ's Object Lessons, p. 325).

If we would humble ourselves before God, and be kind and courteous and tenderhearted and pitiful, there would be one hundred conversions to the truth where now there is only one. But, though professing to be converted, we carry around with us a bundle of self that we regard as altogether too precious to be given up. It is our privilege to lay this burden at the feet of Christ and in its place take the character and similitude of Christ. The Saviour is waiting for us to do this. .( 9T 189.4 chapter 20: the publishing work at college view)

These quotes reflect Ellen G. White's emphasis on compassion as an important aspect of the Christian life, both in how we treat others and how we view ourselves.