Moved With Compassion

 
The answer to this question depends upon the standard we use. It is easy to use others as the basis of our comparison in which case we are either more or less compassionate than those around us.

Christian disciples are called to take on the mind and heart of Jesus. When we compare ourselves to him then we realize how far we have yet to go in being compassionate and merciful to those in distress. When Jesus’ heart was moved with compassion, it was a motivation for action so as to alleviate the suffering of others.

As long as our compassion remains merely emotional sentiment (I feel sorry for others in distress) or preferential response (I am motivated only to help those people whom I like or who are close to me) then we still have a long way to go in our transformation of life and conformity to Jesus.