Merriam-Webster defines compassion as the “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” Compassion, according to this definition, has two parts. It involves recognizing the suffering that others are experiencing , and it involves seeking to do something to help relieve it.

But “compassion” is deeper still than simply acknowledging and doing something to respond to the suffering of others. Rooted in Latin, the word means “to suffer with” (com- = “with”; pati = “to bear, suffer”). This is why we also speak of Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion as his “passion.” Compassion isn’t just acknowledging someone’s suffering but walking through it with them and seeking to relieve them of it.

Compassion is both given and received, and as believers, we are called to be generous with compassion to those who need it. Jesus offers compassion generously and abundantly in his ministry. Matthew 9:36 says, “When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” In Luke 7:13, when Jesus saw a grieving widow, “his heart overflowed with compassion.” These are just a few examples, but Scripture is saturated with Jesus having compassion on the sick, the hurting, the widowed, and the poor. It was part of who he was, because it’s part of who God is. Psalm 103:8 says that “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” God in his nature is compassionate; he recognizes our suffering and he’s in it with us.

And now, as the people of God, this call to compassionate care is still part of what we’re called to live out as believers. In Luke 6:36, Jesus says, “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” Zechariah 7:9-10 speaks of how God’s people should and shouldn’t treat the vulnerable, saying, “’This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows and orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other.” And James 1:27 says, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” These are just a few examples of the call to exhibit compassionate care to the vulnerable.

At Tyndale House Foundation, we seek to respond to the Bible’s repeated commands to care for the poor and vulnerable. One way that we intentionally participate in this call is through the Compassion focus of our grantmaking. We partner with Christian ministries with this focus who are at work alleviating physical distress and spiritual hopelessness. Our partners are working to:

•  rescue children from poverty and dangerous situations
• restore communities broken by the realities of war, natural disaster, poverty, and conflict
• care for refugees and people living through extreme hardship 
• reconcile divides caused by conflict

We have partners around the world who are doing this kind of work. They act out of a place of compassion, stepping into suffering with people, walking with them through it, doing something about it, and ultimately, offering the hope found in Jesus.
This month, pray with us for ministries and leaders around the world who seek to care for vulnerable populations with compassion and the love of Christ.

1. Pray for children growing up in at-risk situations, that they would find redemption, restoration, and hope in Jesus.
2. Pray that communities broken by poverty, conflict, and natural disaster would have the resources, care, and hope needed for full restoration and flourishing.
3. Pray for communities that have experienced deep separation and divide to experience the breaking down of dividing factors between people to renew hearts and souls.
4. Pray that the global church would, through the giving of time, talents, and resources, participate in caring for the needs of vulnerable populations in local communities and around the world.
5. Pray for those caring for people in vulnerable situations, that they would have endurance and energy to continue serving others in this way. Think of a person, an organization, or a church you know that is engaged in this kind of work and pray for them specifically.

Thank you for partnering with Tyndale House Foundation in prayer for the vulnerable and for those who are ministering to them compassionately.

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*All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible , New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.

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Since 1963, Tyndale House Foundation has used publishing profits each year to give away millions of dollars in grants to Christian ministries around the world. Your purchases make it possible for THF to engage, equip, and empower local leaders around the globe for gospel impact.