Feeling “God-Like” In Your Gut

Neal Pollard

There is a noun in the New Testament that means to show kindness, mercy, or concern for someone in serious need. It is typically translated “compassion” (cf. Matthew 9:13; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 4:16). But, there is a verb translated “to feel compassion for, have pity on, and have one’s heart go out to someone” (Swanson, np). John Frederick adds, “This verb is similar to what is expressed in modern language as a feeling in one’s ‘gut’ or ‘heart’ of deep empathy for another person” (Lexham Theological Wordbook, np). The difference seems to be in intensity and depth of feeling. With but one exception, the word is reserved for God toward humanity and is only found in the gospels. Notice:

• Jesus felt compassion for the distressed and dispirited (Matthew 9:36).
• Jesus felt compassion for the sick and their loved ones (Matthew 14:14).
• Jesus felt compassion for the hungry (Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:2).
• God is illustrated by the master of a slave who felt compassion for a deeply indebted man (Matthew 18:27).
• Jesus felt compassion for the blind (Matthew 20:34).
• Jesus felt compassion for those in need of leading and guiding (Mark 6:34).
• Jesus felt compassion for the distraught (Mark 9:22).
• Jesus felt compassion for the grieving (Luke 7:13).
• God is illustrated by the prodigal’s father who felt compassion for the penitent (Luke 15:20).

Here’s a remarkable truth. Every one of us knows people in those circumstances–discouraged, suffering with illness or medical conditions, in material need, not sure what to do, in emotional pain, grieving, or struggling with sin. Who does God expect to feel for these people? How does He want us to show it?

Consider the lone exception mentioned earlier, the passage not referring to God but to man. It’s very familiar to us, found in one of Jesus’ parables. He says, “But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion…” (Luke 10:33). Keep reading and you will see that his deep, intense feelings led him to address the needs of the man (34-37).

Think about all the people you know right now who are in need of a Good Samaritan. Who needs a meal, a visit, some help, your time, your comforting, or just your listening ear? Both those in and out of a right relationship with Christ are longing for someone to feel deeply for them and be moved to help them. Yes, it will be inconvenient and even costly, but in doing what needs done you will be imitating God as closely as anything you’ll ever do.