Compassion

Compassion is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's character and His expectations for His people. The Hebrew word often translated as "compassion" is "racham," which conveys a deep, tender mercy and love. 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 describes Himself to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This self-revelation underscores the importance of compassion as a divine attribute.

Jesus Christ exemplifies compassion throughout His ministry. 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 often led to action, such as healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and teaching the lost.

Believers are called to emulate God's compassion. Colossians 3:12 instructs, "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 not merely an emotional response but a commitment to act in love and mercy towards others.

Inclusion

Inclusion in the biblical context refers to the welcoming and acceptance of all people into the community of faith, regardless of their background or social status. The Bible emphasizes that God's love and salvation are available to all who believe.

The Old Testament contains numerous examples of inclusion. The Israelites were commanded to care for the foreigner and the marginalized. Leviticus 19:34 states, "The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt."

The New Testament expands on this theme, particularly through the ministry of Jesus and the early church. Jesus broke social barriers by interacting with Samaritans, tax collectors, and sinners, demonstrating that the Kingdom of God is open to all. In Galatians 3:28, Paul writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel, transcending ethnic, social, and gender divisions.

The early church grappled with issues of inclusion, particularly concerning Gentile believers. The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 affirmed that Gentiles could be included in the church without adhering to all Jewish customs, emphasizing faith in Christ as the basis for inclusion.

Inclusion is not merely a social or cultural concept but a theological one, rooted in the understanding that all people are created in the image of God and are valuable in His sight. Believers are called to reflect this divine inclusivity in their communities, welcoming and loving others as Christ has loved them.