Introduction:
The themes of compassion and joy are deeply interwoven throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting the heart of God and the response of His people. A cry for compassion often arises from a place of deep need or suffering, while joy is frequently depicted as a divine gift or response to God's presence and actions. This entry explores these themes through various biblical passages and contexts.

Compassion in the Bible:
Compassion in the Bible is often portrayed as a divine attribute and a call to action for believers. The Hebrew word for compassion, "racham," conveys a deep, tender love, akin to the love a mother has for her child. In the New Testament, the Greek word "splagchnizomai" is used to describe the visceral, heartfelt compassion that Jesus often demonstrated.

1. God's Compassion:
· In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself to Moses as "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth."
· Psalm 103:13 states, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him."

2. Jesus' Compassion:
· Jesus' ministry is marked by acts of compassion. In Matthew 9:36, it is written, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
· The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:33) exemplifies compassion in action, as the Samaritan is moved with compassion to help the injured man.

3. Call to Compassion:
· Believers are called to emulate God's compassion. Colossians 3:12 urges, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

Joy in the Bible:
Joy in the biblical context is more than mere happiness; it is a profound sense of well-being and delight that comes from God. The Hebrew word "simchah" and the Greek word "chara" both convey this deep, abiding joy.

1. Joy as a Divine Gift:
· Nehemiah 8:10 declares, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
· In Galatians 5:22, joy is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating its divine origin and presence in the life of believers.

2. Joy in God's Presence:
· Psalm 16:11 proclaims, "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
· The birth of Jesus is heralded as a time of great joy, as the angel announces in Luke 2:10, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

3. Joy in Trials:
· The Bible also speaks of joy in the midst of trials. James 1:2 encourages believers, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

Interconnection of Compassion and Joy:
The cry for compassion and the experience of joy are interconnected in the biblical narrative. Compassion often leads to acts of mercy and justice, which in turn bring joy to both the giver and the receiver. Isaiah 58:10-11 illustrates this connection: "If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame."

Conclusion:
The biblical themes of compassion and joy reveal the character of God and the calling of His people. Through acts of compassion, believers reflect God's love, and through the experience of joy, they testify to His presence and goodness.