One particular aspect of compassion is encouragement. It is even listed as a spiritual gift:
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:6-8
God knows that we all need encouragement! This is one reason why I love playing with an orchestra, or band, or even just an organist. It’s great to have backup support. Playing with other instruments means I can skip a few notes here or there without being too obvious.
This is also why I am glad to sing with a choir, but am not too keen on singing solos. Singing with a choir means I can take a breath when I need to, even during long phrases. I described ‘stagger bowing’ earlier. There’s also ‘stagger breathing’ in choral pieces. It means for the singers to alternate when they take breaths, so that only one person stops singing to take a breath at a time, and the whole phrase sounds continuous. You just have to hope that you don’t decide to take your breath at the exact same time your neighbor does.
Christians need backup as well. This is why we meet together at the church building, and outside of it too. We need a group of like-minded believers to help support us when we need to take a breath, or when we drop a few notes, or when we’re just having a bad day. As Paul wrote to the Romans, everyone needs encouragement.
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
Romans 1:11-12