Virtues: The Virtue of Compassion 

Colossians 3:12-17  

June 25, 2023 

Dr. Brad Hoffmann, pastor 

 Colossians 3:12-17 ESV 

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  

 Luke 15:20 ESV 

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 

 Luke 10:33-37 ESV 

But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”  

 Developing the Virtue of Compassion 

1. Cultivate an understanding of God's love and mercy. 

 2. Develop a daily habit of gratitude.  

 3, Practice empathy through listening and understanding.  

 4. Seek to treat others with respect, honor, and dignity.  

 5. Live forgiven and choose forgiveness. 

 6. Respond obediently to the Holy Spirit's leading.  

 7. Demonstrate appropriate intentional acts of grace.