Compassion

Compassion is a profound and central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's nature and His expectations for His people. The Hebrew word often translated as "compassion" is "racham," which conveys a deep, tender love and mercy. In the New Testament, the Greek word "splagchnizomai" is used, indicating a visceral, heartfelt empathy.

The Bible frequently portrays God as compassionate. 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 compassion as an integral aspect of God's character. Similarly, in Psalm 103:13, it is written, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him."

Jesus Christ exemplifies compassion in His earthly ministry. In Matthew 9:36, it is recorded, "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 often led to action, as seen in His healing of the sick and feeding of the hungry (Matthew 14:14, 15:32).

Believers are called to emulate God's 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 compassion is not merely an emotional response but a commitment to act in love and mercy towards others.

Pardon

Pardon, or forgiveness, is a fundamental concept in the biblical narrative, closely linked to God's grace and mercy. The Hebrew word "salah" and the Greek word "aphiemi" are often translated as "forgive" or "pardon," signifying the release from guilt and the restoration of relationship.

God's willingness to pardon is a testament to His merciful nature. In Isaiah 55:7, the prophet declares, "Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon." This promise of pardon is contingent upon repentance and turning back to God.

The ultimate expression of God's pardon is found in the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, believers receive forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 1:7 states, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace."

Jesus taught His followers to practice forgiveness. In the Lord's Prayer, He instructs, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). This reciprocal nature of forgiveness is further emphasized in Matthew 6:14-15, where Jesus warns that forgiving others is essential to receiving God's forgiveness.

The parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:21-35 illustrates the importance of pardon. When Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive, Jesus responds with the principle of boundless forgiveness, highlighting the expectation that those who have received God's mercy must extend it to others.

In summary, compassion and pardon are intertwined themes that reveal the heart of God and His desire for His people to reflect His character. Through His compassion, God offers pardon, and through His pardon, believers are called to live lives marked by compassion and forgiveness.