The Heart of Jesus: His Compassionate Nature

Kyal McMillan
Jul 15
2 min read

Jesus didn’t just see needs; He felt them. Compassion wasn’t a moment of sympathy, but the engine of His ministry. The Greek word for compassion is “splagchnízomai” and it means “to the core” or “bowels”. He felt compassion so deeply it quite possibly caused him to physically ache.

This is the level of compassion we are called to have for our neighbor. When we see people in pain, in need of healing, assistance, and community it should move us - not just to tears, but to the core. The only way we can get there is by spending daily quality time with God and having our hearts align with His.

Then, and only then, can we begin to see life not with just physical eyes, but spiritual eyes too. Being able to see beyond the veil, beyond the lie, beyond the surface to get to the root of the issue. This is the way of Jesus.

Sometimes the trials we go through can be meant for us to develop compassion for people in areas we often overlook, dismiss, and judge. Personally, I have a huge heart for the homeless only because that’s part of my story. I was homeless for almost a year when I was 18. I don’t mean “sleeping on a friend’s couch” homeless, but actually on the street homeless.

I got to know many homeless people and their stories. While some were because of their own bad decisions and lack of ambition to change, most were victims of circumstances out of their control and really great people with the kindest hearts. They just wanted someone to listen and care. Isn’t that all of us?

Coming out of homelessness and into stability, I gained a greater appreciation for the smallest things in life we take for granted as well as a heart to help when I can. I set aside a monthly budget to buy food for homeless as I feel led to. It’s not much, but it makes a big impact in their world whether they or I know it or not. I’m convinced we are the most like Jesus when we share a meal with a homeless person than we are preaching on platforms. Compassion is the way of Jesus.

Compassion for His people brought healing.

Compassion for His people led Jesus to the cross.

Compassion for His people brought the realities of Heaven to earth.

Compassion for His people is why He is coming back soon.