The concept of compassion is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the character of God and the ethical demands placed upon His people. Compassion, as depicted in the Scriptures, is not merely an emotional response but a call to action, a mandate to reflect God's love and mercy in tangible ways.

Old Testament Foundations

The Hebrew word often translated as "compassion" is "racham," which conveys a deep, tender love and mercy. This is vividly illustrated in God's relationship with Israel. 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." This self-revelation underscores the centrality of compassion in God's nature.

The Law given to Israel also reflects this divine attribute, instructing the Israelites to care for the vulnerable. Leviticus 19:18 commands, "Love your neighbor as yourself," a principle that extends compassion to all, including the stranger, the widow, and the orphan (Deuteronomy 10:18-19). The prophets, too, echo this call, with Micah 6:8 summarizing God's requirements: "to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate expression of compassion. The Greek word "splagchnizomai," often used to describe Jesus' compassion, suggests a visceral, heartfelt response. In Matthew 9:36, Jesus, seeing the crowds, "was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

Jesus' parables further illustrate the call to compassion. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) challenges believers to extend mercy beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries, emphasizing that true neighborly love is active and sacrificial. Similarly, the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) highlights the expectation that those who have received God's mercy must, in turn, show mercy to others.

The apostolic writings continue this theme. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers in Colossians 3:12, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." This call to compassion is integral to the Christian identity and community, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.

Practical Implications

The call to compassion is not limited to personal relationships but extends to societal structures. James 1:27 defines pure religion as caring for orphans and widows in their distress, urging believers to engage in social justice and advocacy for the marginalized. The early church exemplified this through communal sharing and support for the needy (Acts 2:44-45).

In summary, the biblical call to compassion is a profound and pervasive theme, urging believers to mirror God's love and mercy in their interactions with others. It is a call to action, demanding a response that transcends mere sentiment and manifests in concrete acts of kindness and justice.