Earlier I wrote about compassion as something that David and the Lord Jesus both have, but many Christians don't. This character trait enables one to deeply and genuinely care for other people in need and is a necessary component needed for effective spreading of the gospel.

Do you want to see compassion grow in your heart? Here are three ways you can stir it up deep within you.

1. Immerse Yourself in Christ's Atonement

Truth be told, there's no better way to grow compassion in your heart than by letting Christ's love smother you with it. Christ's finished work of salvation is the basis by which we Christians will be enabled to share His love. After all, we receive it ourselves.

The truth of the matter is that we aren't deserving of anything good. Our sin made us deserving of the wrath of God.

But because God is loving and does not want anyone to go to hell, He sent His own Son Jesus to pay the price for our redemption – with nothing less than His own blood.

We might think that others aren't deserving of our goodness, but that's exactly how we are before God. He just had mercy on us.

2. Get to Know God's Heart for the People

It's easy for us to say that we love others, but it's actually a totally different thing to have the heart of God for other people. We often find it easy to love those who love us, but find it almost difficult to love those who hurt us. God is different.

The Bible tells us that God's will is for all men to be saved: the good and the bad, the righteous and the wicked, the religious and the atheist, the rich and the poor, all sorts of people. It's because of this desire that Christ was nailed to the cross.

Best thing to do is to see how much God loves all men as written in the Scriptures. Take time to read it, and pray.

3. Watch or Read Compassion Testimonies

One effective way to help develop compassion is through the testimonies of others who have stood on either the giving or receiving end.

Reading the stories of impoverished people touched by the love of God through a compassion group such as Operation Blessing reminded me that there are many people who are at a far difficult state of life than I am, yet they manage to live happily. Their sad and often unimaginable life condition, contrasted by their smiles and apparent gratefulness for the blessings they receive from God, always makes me cry.

If you're the type to be inspired by such testimonies (like this), I'm pretty sure they will motivate you.