Compassion

Compassion is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the character of God and His dealings with humanity. The Hebrew word often translated as "compassion" is "racham," which conveys a deep, tender love and mercy. In the New Testament, the Greek word "splagchnizomai" is used, indicating a visceral, heartfelt empathy.

The Bible frequently portrays God as compassionate. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself to Moses, saying, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This self-revelation underscores God's nature as one who is deeply moved by the plight of His people and is willing to act on their behalf.

The Psalms often celebrate God's compassion. Psalm 103:13-14 states, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust." This passage highlights God's understanding of human frailty and His tender care for His creation.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies divine compassion. The Gospels frequently describe Jesus as being moved with 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." Jesus' compassion leads Him to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and teach the multitudes.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates the call to compassion. Jesus teaches that true neighborly love involves showing mercy and compassion to those in need, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries.

Deliverance

Deliverance in the Bible refers to God's intervention to rescue His people from danger, oppression, or sin. The concept is deeply rooted in the narrative of the Exodus, where God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Exodus 14:13-14 records Moses' words to the people: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Throughout the Old Testament, God is depicted as a deliverer who saves His people from their enemies. In 2 Samuel 22:2-3, David sings, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my Savior—You save me from violence."

In the New Testament, deliverance takes on a spiritual dimension with the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus' mission is to deliver humanity from the bondage of sin and death. Colossians 1:13-14 declares, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

The Apostle Paul often speaks of deliverance in terms of spiritual warfare and victory over sin. In Romans 7:24-25, he exclaims, "What a wretched man I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!" This passage highlights the believer's struggle with sin and the ultimate deliverance found in Christ.

The theme of deliverance is also eschatological, pointing to the final deliverance of God's people at the end of the age. Revelation 21:4 promises, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This future deliverance is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where His compassion and deliverance are fully realized.