Compassion

Compassion, a profound and central theme in the Bible, is the deep awareness of the suffering of others coupled with the desire to alleviate it. The Hebrew word often translated as compassion is "racham," which conveys a sense of deep love and mercy. In the New Testament, the Greek word "splagchnizomai" is used, indicating a visceral, heartfelt response to the needs of others.

The Bible presents God as the ultimate source of compassion. In Exodus 34:6, God describes 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 divine nature of compassion as an integral attribute of God.

Jesus Christ exemplifies compassion throughout His earthly 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 is not merely an emotional response but is consistently followed by action, such as healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and teaching the lost.

Believers are called to emulate this divine 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 action is a reflection of the transformative power of God's love in the lives of His people, urging them to extend the same mercy and kindness they have received.

Justice

Justice, another foundational biblical principle, is closely linked with righteousness and fairness. The Hebrew word "mishpat" and the Greek word "dikaiosyne" are often translated as justice, emphasizing the moral and ethical standards that God upholds.

The Bible portrays God as the ultimate judge who loves justice. Psalm 33:5 declares, "The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His loving devotion." God's justice is not arbitrary but is rooted in His holy and righteous character, ensuring that He judges with equity and truth.

In the Old Testament, justice is a key component of the Law given to Israel. Deuteronomy 16:20 commands, "Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land the LORD your God is giving you." This directive highlights the importance of justice in maintaining social order and covenantal faithfulness.

The prophets frequently called Israel back to justice, condemning the exploitation of the poor and the perversion of justice. Micah 6:8 succinctly summarizes God's requirement: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

In the New Testament, justice is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus satisfies divine justice, offering redemption and reconciliation to humanity. Romans 3:26 states, "He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus."

Christians are called to be agents of justice in the world, reflecting God's character and upholding His standards. James 1:27 emphasizes, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This call to justice is a mandate to protect the vulnerable and to act with integrity and fairness in all aspects of life.

In summary, compassion and justice are intertwined in the biblical narrative, revealing the heart of God and His expectations for His people. These principles guide believers in their relationships with others, urging them to act with love, mercy, and fairness, reflecting the character of their Creator.