Definition and Overview:
Compassion, in the biblical context, refers to a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering, coupled with a desire to alleviate that suffering. It is not merely an emotional response but is often accompanied by action. The Bible consistently portrays compassion as a fundamental attribute of God and a vital characteristic of His followers. Compassionate action is the practical outworking of this divine attribute in the lives of believers, manifesting in acts of kindness, mercy, and justice.

Biblical Foundation:
The concept of compassion is deeply rooted in the character of God. In Exodus 34:6, God describes Himself to Moses as "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This self-revelation underscores the centrality of compassion in God's nature.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies compassion through His ministry. Matthew 9:36 states, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Jesus' compassion often led to action, as seen in His healing of the sick, feeding of the hungry, and teaching of the multitudes.

Compassion in Action:
The Bible calls believers to emulate God's compassion through tangible actions. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates that true neighborly love involves compassionate action. The Samaritan's response to the injured man—providing immediate care and ensuring his continued recovery—serves as a model for believers to follow.

James 2:15-17 further emphasizes the necessity of action accompanying compassion: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells them, 'Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,' but does not provide for their physical needs, what good is that? So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead."

Old Testament Examples:
The Old Testament provides numerous examples of compassion leading to action. In the book of Ruth, Boaz demonstrates compassion by ensuring Ruth, a foreign widow, is protected and provided for (Ruth 2:8-16). His actions reflect the biblical mandate to care for the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, and foreigners (Deuteronomy 10:18).

The prophets also called Israel to embody compassion through justice and mercy. Micah 6:8 declares, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

New Testament Teachings:
The teachings of Jesus and the apostles reinforce the call to compassionate action. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus identifies Himself with the needy, stating that acts of kindness toward "the least of these" are acts of service to Him. The early church exemplified this principle by sharing resources and caring for one another's needs (Acts 2:44-45).

The apostle Paul encourages believers to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12). This metaphor of clothing suggests that compassion should be an integral and visible part of a Christian's life.

Practical Implications:
Compassionate action is not limited to grand gestures but is often expressed in everyday interactions. It involves listening, offering support, and meeting practical needs. Believers are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, serving others in love and reflecting God's compassion to a hurting world.

In summary, compassion in the Bible is both an attribute of God and a call to action for His people. It is a response to the suffering of others that moves beyond emotion to tangible expressions of love and care, fulfilling the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).