Compassion. Is there another word in existence that so nearly expresses the inexhaustible tender loving kindness of our eternal Father of Light?

A New Testament review beautifully reveals God’s true heart. Jesus, the perfect expression of God’s will, feels with the Father’s emotions and performs the Father’s response:

Matt. 20:34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Matt. 14:14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Mark 8:2 I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. . . Mark 6:37 But he answered, You give them something to eat. . . . Mark 6:42 They all ate and were satisfied.
John 11:38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. . . 11:43 Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

As sons and daughters of the Kingdom of Christ it is our humble and glorious privilege to present our King’s compassion fully. Such deep love transforms those in need. It is in concert with Jesus’ stated mission when He inaugurated His ministry:

Luke 4:18 THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.
HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED.

As Christians our compassion mostly takes the form of gentle words, an understanding attitude, financial or practical support, and often caring advise. These acts of kindness can be comforting and hopeful in difficult times. It's almost like our sympathy comes alongside to encourage and help one bear their trouble. Compassion, on the other hand, stirs so deeply that when mixed with faith it draws upon the vast, omnipotent resources in the heart of the Father of mercies and God all comfort.

It is my prayer and longing to display a more complete measure of the compassion of Jesus; by faith, to lay hold of and bring forth help and relief to sick, bound and tormented men and women in the miraculous manner that Jesus commonly employed.

The Savior in our Gospel commissions us to go far beyond what is possible by mere men. Yet His Spirit is completely available to accomplish through us all Jesus purchased and desires for the children He loves. For out of the deep pity and groaning of His heart for our trouble, His compassion always took Him beyond gentle words and human care. It moved Him to engage His faith in God’s power to resolve the difficulty.

Jesus' compassion was not fully expressed until that which moved Him was made right - until the need was satisfied. And when He said to the disciples, *You feed them,*He was including, yes assigning, them to participate with Him in drawing from Heaven the power to meet earthly needs – to make human agony bow to the loving heart and holy power of our Father and Maker.

In so doing, we show the heart of our Savior as it truly is.