‘Compassion’ and ‘sympathy’ have much in common and both are stronger in meaning than simply ‘feeling sorry for’ someone. Compassion involves more than just feeling sorry for someone; it's about trying to understand their feelings and do something to help. This can include offering help, listening, and putting others first.
The words have their roots in the idea of ‘suffering with’ someone, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and experiencing what they experience. This leads to a desire to act, to do something. It is not patronizing. It is not about ‘doing good’ from a position of strength or ‘remembering those less fortunate than ourselves’. Compassion requires an act of imagination and humility to share in the lives of others.
Christians believe that God is compassionate and that they are called to be compassionate as well. They believe that Jesus' suffering makes him understand human suffering, and that Christians can experience hard times to gain compassion for others.
Christians can embody compassion by volunteering at charitable organizations, such as soup kitchens or homeless shelters. This can help people build relationships, gain a better understanding of their faith, and share their faith with others.
Paul links this together. He says ‘clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.’ (Colossians 3:12)
​Bible stories we may teach this through include: Feeding the 5000