Having true compassion is not something that we can do by our own strength. On our own, we are unable to act in a way that shows unconditional compassion because our sinful flesh will always drive us to think about what we get in return.

God calls us to love other people and to have compassion over them especially those who are broken and with immediate needs to be met. Compassion is more than just giving money to the poor, though that is one primary way we show compassion. Broken and needy people need more than just your money. They need the life you have in Christ imparted to them.

A few years back, I used to work for a ministry that would minister to street children. I came into the job thinking that my responsibility ended with making sure they had meals to eat, clothes to wear and shelter to sleep in. Though that is important, the kids I was assigned to needed more than that - they needed someone who was sincere in compassion and love towards them.

It's not just the poor that need your compassion. Maybe you have a work colleague in need of affirmation and motivation, a classmate who needs spiritual support because his or her family is falling apart or a family member even who is battling with spiritual warfare and needs a prayer partner. How are you responding to God's call to show compassion to those who are in need?

You'll be surprised at how much you can actually do for others. Here are six verses on building compassion towards the broken around you.