The compassion of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His deep love and mercy towards humanity. This divine attribute is evident in both the Old and New Testaments, showcasing God's enduring kindness and willingness to forgive and restore His people.

Old Testament

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "compassion" is "racham," which conveys a sense of deep mercy and tender affection. God's compassion is frequently associated with His covenantal relationship with Israel. 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 God's compassionate nature as foundational to His character.

The Psalms frequently 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, God's compassion is likened to that of a loving parent, understanding and patient with human frailty.

The prophets also highlight God's compassion, often in the context of calling Israel back to faithfulness. In Isaiah 49:13, the prophet declares, "Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; break into joyful song, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and He will have compassion on His afflicted ones." This passage emphasizes God's commitment to comfort and restore His people despite their suffering and disobedience.

New Testament

In the New Testament, the Greek word "splagchnizomai" is used to describe the compassion of Jesus, which is a reflection of the Father's heart. The Gospels frequently depict Jesus moved with compassion, leading to acts of healing and teaching. 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 prompts Him to action, addressing both physical and spiritual needs.

The parables of Jesus further illustrate divine compassion. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) portrays a father who is filled with compassion for his returning son, symbolizing God's readiness to forgive and restore those who repent. In Luke 15:20, it is said, "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him."

The Apostle Paul also speaks of God's compassion in his epistles. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." Here, God's compassion is linked to His role as a comforter, providing solace and strength to believers in their trials.

Theological Implications

The compassion of God is not merely an abstract attribute but is integral to His redemptive work. It is through His compassion that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem humanity. John 3:16 encapsulates this truth: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." God's compassion is thus the driving force behind the salvation narrative, offering hope and restoration to a fallen world.

Throughout Scripture, believers are called to emulate God's compassion in their interactions with others. Colossians 3:12 exhorts, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." This call to action reflects the transformative power of divine compassion, urging Christians to be conduits of God's love and mercy in a broken world.