SUNDAY August 23, 2026

Christ-like Compassion

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV

Paul the Apostle taught believers that they needed to clothe themselves with compassion––empathy with the desire to alleviate someone else’s pain. One Bible dictionary explained it this way: “As clothing touches every part of the body, so compassion should reach every part of life. Does that describe your character?”

Honestly, I never had compassion for people who were suffering. Too many times, I, like so many other people, have been so cold. I would pray for those suffering, sure, but it was not until I experienced suffering myself that God developed a Christ-like compassion in my life for others. When I began to suffer illnesses as others do, I had a change of heart.

There came a time in my life when I was sick for six weeks straight. I found myself on my face before God, every single day. Why? I never thought I would come out of it. I thought my ministry and life were done. So I cried out to God. During those terrible six weeks, when I thought I was losing my mind, He taught me to have real compassion for people. Believe me, I tell people, “Just wait. You will go through the fire at some period of your life. It is just a matter of time.”

Listen, if you have a spouse, a child, or an elderly parent who is suffering from some type of sickness, and you find yourself without a heart of compassion for them, it is probably because you have never suffered like they have. Physical sickness can affect people emotionally and spiritually. You may think They are way too emotional––as if they are losing their minds! Pray, and ask God to give you His compassion for them.

When Jesus looked out into the suffering multitudes, His heart was moved with compassion: But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd (Matthew 9:36). Compassion comes when we see people through Christ’s eyes.

His [Christ’s] is a loving, tender hand, full of sympathy and compassion.
~D.L. Moody~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!