How Do We Show Up With Compassion?
Where do you see a need for good in the world? Think about the things that felt hard in 2025 and the things you want better for in 2026. Where can you bring good to the people around you?
The key is showing up with compassion.
In a world marked by conflict, selfishness, and broken behaviors, compassion develops servant-heartedness, community, and love.
Have you ever known someone who claimed to care deeply for another person, but their behavior didn’t seem to align with their claim?
Or have you yourself ever felt moved to help another person, but you didn’t know where to start?
Understanding compassion starts with looking at Jesus. Read Matthew 9:35-36:
Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages [near Capernaum], teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Jesus’ ministry had two parts: sharing the truth of the Kingdom of God and physically meeting people’s needs. He both told them about the good that would someday come and He also brought that good to them today.
Compassion includes both aspects. The word “compassion” means to “suffer with” another person. You cannot suffer with someone from far away. Compassion means getting close, showing up when it’s costly or inconvenient, and being patient while you sit with them in their pain.
Compassion never condemns. It never complains, criticizes, or condescends.
Showing up with compassion means meeting people right where they are, and bringing them good in the midst of their suffering.
Sometimes this looks like sitting in the hospital waiting room with a friend or dropping off groceries for your neighbor. It’s taking the inconvenient phone call to be a listening ear, or changing your plans so you can drive a friend or family member to an appointment.
Compassion costs, but the reward is great: Showing people the Kingdom of God on earth.
And Jesus has called His people to be compassionate as He was. In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus concludes, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
Where can you show compassion this week?
DIVE DEEPER
Take some time to reflect honestly:
What happens in your heart when you “see the crowds” like Jesus in Matthew 9? Are you moved to compassion like Jesus, or to judgment and criticism?
Where are you growing in compassion?
When do you find yourself pointing a finger to blame someone else, rather than choosing to suffer with them?
Pray that God would cultivate compassion in you. Watch this weekend’s service for more.