Verse from Colossians

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬ ‭

The word translated “compassion” in Colossians 3:12 combines two Greek words splanchnon (bowels) and oiktirmos (mercies). The King James Version translates these words as “bowels of mercies.” Literally, the words refer to bowels, intestines, or inner organs (heart, lungs, liver, etc.). 

Figuratively, they refer to tender emotions that compel kind, merciful, compassionate responses. As Christ’s representatives (v. 17), believers in Jesus are urged to “clothe” themselves “with compassion” (v. 12), along with other Christlike characteristics (vv. 12–14). The verb form (splanchnizomai) is used only in the Gospels to describe divine action (of God [or a figure representing Him] and Christ). “When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were . . . like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). 

In Luke 15:20, the father represents God: “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son . . . and kissed him.”