“generate more compassionate thoughts and engage in compassionate activities like giving.”
This can happen in two ways:
1. One may do all this with future expectations for a “good birth” (such a person would be on the mundane path).
2. One may still do those things after getting on the Noble Path, i.e., after comprehending Tilakkhana at least to some extent).
In both cases, compassion is likely to be involved to at least some extent.
The Buddha said EVERYONE should be engaging in such activities. Punna kamma are not be afraid of. They will never be a hindrance to one’s progress.