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WBS The Compassionate Woman in Proverbs 31:20

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Proverbs 31:20 KJV, "She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy."

Rev. Tony Evan’s commentary describes the woman in Proverbs 31:20 as a woman who is "compassionate to the poor and gives what she can, not to take from her household but to be a blessing to others."

The stories of compassion in the Bible should motivate us to put compassion into action.

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The religious leaders of Jesus’ day asked Jesus, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Matthew 22:36-39).

This means that compassion is not just an attribute of God, but also a quality of his people.

1 John 3:17 says, "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?" This means that love is not in words or speech. It is displayed in actions and in truth. He says that love is active, not just felt, thought or spoken.

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When others may keep their distance from those who are suffering, godly compassion prompts us to act on the behalf of the hurting. When we see people who are poor, lacking basic necessities, or are fatherless, we are called to show mercy through compassionate action.

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As we consider the compassion God has shown to us, we can respond with compassion to those around us.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." — Ephesians 4:32.

1 Peter 3:8 is one of the most well-known Bible verses about compassion: "Be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble." We can practice compassion in everyday life.