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. It is a divine attribute and a moral imperative for believers, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "compassion" is "racham," which conveys a sense of deep mercy and tender love. God's compassion is evident throughout the Scriptures, as seen in Exodus 34:6, where the LORD proclaims His nature to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This divine compassion is not merely an emotional response but is accompanied by action, as God repeatedly intervenes to rescue and restore His people.

The New Testament further emphasizes compassion through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The Greek word "splagchnizomai" is frequently used to describe Jesus' response to human suffering. 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 led Him to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and ultimately sacrifice Himself for the salvation of humanity.

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." Compassion is not optional but a defining characteristic of a life transformed by the Gospel. It manifests in acts of kindness, mercy, and justice, reflecting the love of Christ to a broken world.

Witness

Witness, in the biblical context, refers to the act of testifying to the truth of God's revelation and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It is both a personal and communal responsibility, rooted in the Great Commission and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

The concept of witness is deeply embedded in the Old Testament, where the Hebrew word "ed" signifies a testimony or evidence. The Israelites were called to be witnesses of God's mighty acts and His covenantal faithfulness. Isaiah 43:10 declares, "You are My witnesses," says the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He."

In the New Testament, the Greek word "martys" is used, which later evolved into the term "martyr," reflecting the ultimate witness of faith through sacrifice. Jesus commissioned His disciples in Acts 1:8, saying, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This mandate underscores the global and enduring nature of Christian witness.

The early church exemplified this call, as believers boldly proclaimed the Gospel despite persecution. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 1:16, affirms, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." Witnessing involves both verbal proclamation and living a life that reflects the transformative power of the Gospel.

For contemporary believers, witnessing is an integral part of discipleship. It involves sharing the message of salvation through Christ, demonstrating His love through actions, and living a life that bears testimony to His grace and truth. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be effective witnesses, providing boldness, wisdom, and the ability to communicate the Gospel across cultural and linguistic barriers.