November | Godliness
Compassion is a reflection of God’s love for us.
God is the source of all compassion.
Compassion is not just a feeling; it is a call to action.
Valuable Verses
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (25 in 25 Verse)
A Word of Encouragement
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God’s compassion for His people and the call for us to extend that same compassion to others. Jesus teaches in Matthew 25:35-40 that showing compassion toward those in need is an act of love toward Him. Feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, caring for the sick, and visiting the imprisoned are all ways of serving Christ Himself.
Philippians 2:1-2 emphasizes that God is the source of all compassion. “Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” When we experience His comfort, we are equipped to comfort others in their struggles. Understanding that we have received God’s mercy empowers us to share that same comfort, love, and compassion with those who are hurting. Jesus wants us to be like the Good Samaritan. (Luke 10:25–37). Compassion isn't just about feeling sorry for someone; it's about taking action to help others, even when it's difficult or comes at a cost to us. The priest and the Levite probably had good reasons to walk away—maybe they were busy or scared. But the Samaritan chose to love his neighbor by helping him. God wants us to look beyond ourselves and consider the needs of those around us to show His love.
Get the Conversation Going
Take a moment to discuss these questions as a family:
• How can we show compassion to one another in our own family?
• When we have a conflict with someone, what can we do to make sure we are still being kind and compassionate to each other?
• What actions can our family take together to show compassion to others and make a positive impact in our community?
Gospel Connection
Jesus demonstrated His compassion by giving sight to the blind, making the lame walk, and curing people of illness. However, the greatest act of compassion came at the end of His earthly ministry. He put His love into action as He hung on the cross. Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross for sinners is His ultimate act of compassion, an action that allows us to be saved from the law of sin and death and allows Christians to be confident in their standing before God.
Be sure to check the monthly activity page for age-appropriate ideas and ways to practice compassion.
