If the people who are closest to you were polled, would they choose compassionate as a word that describes you? In the Bible, God sets forth a picture of the estate of sin and misery that all men are in but then proclaims the remarkable way in which He has shown compassion upon human beings by providing a way out of their misery through Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 10: 13). Sometimes biblical counselors are (falsely) accused of lacking compassion. But they should recognize that, above all else, they must counsel in God's presence in ways that honor Him. Therefore they must compassionately counsel people who come to them suffering from the ravages of sin. Compassion can be studied, understood, encouraged, and directed, but it cannot be generated. It is my hope that this book may assist you in bringing about that inner visceral concern for others that insists upon helping them.