Divine Compassion

Divine compassion is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's deep love and mercy towards His creation. The Hebrew word often translated as "compassion" is "racham," which conveys a sense of deep, tender affection, akin to the love a parent has for a child. In the New Testament, the Greek word "splagchnizomai" is used, indicating a visceral, heartfelt compassion.

The Old Testament frequently highlights God's compassionate nature. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself to Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This self-revelation underscores the enduring nature of God's compassion, which is not merely a response to human actions but an intrinsic aspect of His character.

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." Here, divine compassion is linked to God's understanding of human frailty, emphasizing His patience and mercy.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies divine compassion. The Gospels frequently depict Jesus moved with compassion, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and teaching the lost. 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 passive but active, leading to tangible acts of mercy and grace.

Divine Power

Divine power is another fundamental attribute of God, demonstrating His supreme authority and ability to accomplish His will. The Bible presents God as omnipotent, having unlimited power and sovereignty over all creation.

In the Old Testament, God's power is evident in the act of creation. Genesis 1:1 declares, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational statement affirms God's power to bring the universe into existence by His word alone. The narrative of the Exodus further illustrates divine power, as God delivers the Israelites from Egyptian bondage through miraculous signs and wonders, such as the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22).

The Psalms frequently extol God's power. Psalm 147:5 proclaims, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." This verse links divine power with divine wisdom, suggesting that God's power is exercised with perfect knowledge and purpose.

In the New Testament, divine power is supremely manifested in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His miracles, such as calming the storm (Mark 4:39) and raising the dead (John 11:43-44), attest to His divine authority. The ultimate demonstration of divine power is the resurrection of Jesus, as described in Romans 1:4: "and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord."

The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of divine power in the life of believers. In Ephesians 1:19-20, he prays that believers may know "the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms." This passage emphasizes that the same power that raised Christ is at work in believers, enabling them to live transformed lives.

In summary, divine compassion and power are intertwined attributes of God, revealing His loving nature and sovereign ability to fulfill His purposes. These attributes are consistently demonstrated throughout Scripture, offering believers assurance of God's enduring love and mighty presence in their lives.