Introduction:
Social justice and compassion are deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's character and His expectations for human relationships. The Bible presents a framework for understanding justice and compassion, emphasizing the importance of righteousness, mercy, and love in the community of believers and beyond.

Biblical Foundation of Social Justice:
Social justice in the Bible is grounded in the character of God, who is just and righteous. The Hebrew word "mishpat" often translated as "justice," appears frequently in the Old Testament, signifying God's desire for fairness and equity. In Deuteronomy 16:20, the Israelites are commanded, "Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you" . This pursuit of justice is not merely legal but encompasses all aspects of life, ensuring that the vulnerable are protected and treated fairly.

The prophets consistently called Israel back to God's standards of justice. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this call: "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?" . Justice is intertwined with mercy and humility, reflecting a holistic approach to living in accordance with God's will.

Compassion as a Divine Attribute:
Compassion is a central attribute of God, demonstrated throughout Scripture. The Hebrew word "racham" conveys a deep, tender mercy, akin to a mother's love for her child. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself to Moses as "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth" . This divine compassion is the model for human behavior, urging believers to mirror God's love and kindness.

Jesus Christ exemplifies compassion in 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 led Him to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and teach the lost, demonstrating that true compassion involves action.

Social Justice and Compassion in the New Testament:
The New Testament continues the theme of justice and compassion, emphasizing the transformative power of the Gospel in creating a just and compassionate community. In the early church, believers were encouraged to care for one another, sharing resources to meet each other's needs. Acts 4:34-35 describes this practice: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need" .

The Apostle Paul reinforces the call to compassion in Colossians 3:12: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" . This exhortation highlights the importance of embodying Christ-like virtues in interpersonal relationships.

Practical Implications for Believers:
Believers are called to be agents of social justice and compassion in their communities. This involves advocating for the oppressed, caring for the poor, and promoting peace and reconciliation. James 1:27 underscores the practical outworking of faith: "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" .

The biblical mandate for social justice and compassion challenges believers to reflect God's character in their actions, ensuring that love and mercy guide their interactions with others. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to pursue justice and extend compassion, fulfilling their calling as ambassadors of Christ in a broken world.