What practical steps can we take to cultivate compassion instead of gloating?

◄ How to foster compassion, not gloating? ►

“Lest the LORD see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him.” (Proverbs 24:18)

God is watching not only the fall of an enemy but also the condition of our heart. He literally judges the attitude that claps when someone crashes.

Why Gloating Hooks Us—and Harms Us

• It feeds pride (Obadiah 1:12)

• It masks our own sin (Matthew 7:3–5)

• It invites God’s correction; He may lift discipline from the other person and redirect it toward us (Proverbs 16:5)

Practical Steps to Cultivate Compassion

• Remember our shared guilt

– “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

– Pause and confess, “Apart from grace, that could be me.”

• Pray blessing, not downfall

– “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)

– Ask God to heal, restore, and draw the person to Himself.

• Practice empathy

– Picture their pain, losses, and possible shame.

– “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)

• Speak words that build

– “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need.” (Ephesians 4:29)

– Refuse snide remarks, memes, and gossip.

• Do tangible good

– “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat.” (Proverbs 25:21)

– Send a note, offer assistance, defend their reputation when others pile on.

• Trust God’s justice

– “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

– Release the case file to the divine Judge and move forward in peace.

• Celebrate redemption stories

– When the fallen rise again by God’s grace, rejoice like heaven does (Luke 15:7).

– Share testimonies that showcase God’s mercy rather than someone’s misery.

• Repent quickly when gloating sneaks in

– “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9)

When Compassion Feels Impossible

• Meditate on Christ’s example—He wept over Jerusalem, even as it rejected Him (Luke 19:41).

• Ask the Spirit to pour His love into your heart (Romans 5:5).

• Recall how Jesus forgave you while you were still His enemy (Romans 5:8–10).

The Ripple Effect of a Compassionate Heart

• Relationships soften; enemies can become brothers (Proverbs 16:7).

• The church gains credibility as a haven of mercy (John 13:35).

• Your own soul rests; bitterness loses its grip (Hebrews 12:14–15).

Choose compassion over gloating, and you align yourself with the heart of the God who delights in mercy.