Moved by Compassion - Learning to See as Jesus Seesਨਮੂਨਾ

Day 1 – The Heart of Compassion

Scripture: Colossians 3:12–14, 1 John 3:1, 1 John 3:16

Devotional:
Compassion is at the very heart of God. It’s not just a feeling of pity or sorrow, it’s a deep stirring within that moves us to act. In the New Testament, the word translated “compassion” carries the idea of being so deeply moved that you are gripped in your inner being. It’s to feel love so strongly that you cannot stay still or ignore the need in front of you.

Paul tells us in Colossians 3:12 to “put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” The phrase put on suggests intentionality. It’s like getting dressed, something you do deliberately every day. Compassion isn’t something that happens by accident; it’s a choice we make because we have first encountered the compassion of Christ ourselves.

Putting these two thoughts together, we see that developing compassion means being both intentional and led by the Holy Spirit. We must be willing to be moved with compassion, recognising that we can either open our hearts to God’s heart, or close them to it.

Compassion is more than emotion; it’s a decision to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. There are moments when you feel that unmistakable nudge inside, a name comes to mind, a story moves you, or you notice someone’s pain. In those moments, ask yourself whether the Spirit is inviting you to partner with God’s heart and to act on what you are feeling.

The challenge for us as believers is not to let compassion fade under the noise of daily life. We live in a world filled with need, and it’s easy to grow weary or detached. But when we choose to put on compassion, we carry with us the fragrance of Christ. We become His hands and feet, bringing comfort, healing, and hope wherever we go.

Compassion is not weakness; it’s a tool and a powerful gift of the Holy Spirit. It’s the strength to enter someone else’s pain, believing that God can bring life out of brokenness. It’s the same heart that moved Jesus to touch lepers, to weep at his friend's tomb, and to feed the hungry crowds.

When we truly understand how God has shown mercy to us, how He looked upon our brokenness and did not turn away, our hearts begin to change. Compassion grows out of gratitude. It’s the overflow of knowing that we have been forgiven, loved, and restored. The more aware we become of God’s mercy, the more willing we are to extend it to others.

John reminds us, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17). Those who have truly received God’s love will naturally reflect it.

Today, ask the Holy Spirit to clothe you afresh in compassion. Let Him soften your heart and open your eyes. Sometimes all it takes is a moment of awareness, a quiet prayer, or a small act of kindness for God to begin a miracle through you.

Reflection:
Where has God been calling you to show compassion recently? How might you respond today?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for showing me mercy when I least deserved it. Clothe me in Your compassion so that I can see others through Your eyes. Teach me to respond quickly when Your Spirit stirs my heart. Let my life reflect Your love in both words and actions. Amen.