As Christians, we should hold compassion in the highest esteem. The Bible urges us to clothe ourselves in this powerful virtue, wrapping it around us so that it touches every part of our being. But what does it truly mean to be compassionate? While many see it simply as an act of immense kindness, the word at its core means “to suffer with.” True compassion goes beyond offering a polite gesture to someone who has fallen into a pit; it sets aside comfort, climbs into the hole with them, and gets dirty to understand where they are and what they are experiencing. 

Genuine compassion lifts a person up, carrying them toward freedom, but only after assuring them that they are seen and cared for. In other words, it loves alongside and offers the hope of healing, whether or not the recipient is ready to accept it. You have each received compassion so you can extend it to others. Whatever you’re facing, Jesus suffers alongside you and is never distant from your struggles. Even when it feels like no one understands the depth of your pain, He does—and He lovingly enters the pit to stay with you until you are ready to rise.

My friend, even better, as you receive the comfort of His Spirit, He empowers you to share it with those around you. Nothing transforms the darkness of pain like the compassion of a friend who is willing to listen, empathize, and help shoulder a burden—even before pointing out the way out. As you suffer alongside those you care for, you bring comfort by speaking through genuine empathy and healing actions.