Compassion

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matt. 9:36).

I. Compassion Is Undefiled

“And Jesus moved with compassion … touched him, and saith … be thou clean” (Mark 1:41).

A. Compassion means sorrow or pity excited by the distress or misfortunes of another; sympathy.

B. Jesus had true compassion. He was never selfish, never held resentments or ill-feelings towards others.

C. We must have pure motives also. We must care for others and give to them without expecting anything in return.

II. Compassion Is Understanding

“… he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted …” (Matt. 9:36).

A. Understanding comes by seeing through the eyes of the sick, suffering with the lonely and bereaved, and walking in the shoes of the less fortunate.

B. Jesus understood. He experienced sorrow, loneliness, suffering, and death.

C. We should be understanding too. When we empathize with others, we are enabled to love with compassion as Jesus did (Matt. 14:14).

  p 19  III. Compassion Is Undaunted

“… having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous” (1 Peter 3:8).

A. The good Samaritan became involved in helping the less fortunate. He didn’t run away or look the other way (Luke 10:25–37).

B. Compassion calls for the courage to come forward to help with the job that needs to be done.

C. Compassion doesn’t falter or give in to fear or failure.

IV. Compassion Is Undefeated

“… the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee …” (Deut. 30:3).

A. Compassion, like faith, brings victory. It comes from God and never fails because He never fails.

B. The Lord is full of compassion for “His mercy endureth forever.”

C. Through prayer, concern, and effort we can be filled with compassion also.

 Spray, R. E. (1978). Easy-to-Use Sermon Outlines (pp. 18–19). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.