Compassion and Personal Touch
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Compassion

Compassion is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's character 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 response to the suffering of others.

The Bible frequently portrays God as compassionate. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself to Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This self-revelation underscores the importance of compassion as an attribute of God. Similarly, Psalm 103:13 states, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him."

Jesus Christ exemplifies compassion throughout 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 often led to action, as seen in His healing of the sick, feeding of the hungry, and teaching of the lost. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates that true compassion transcends social and ethnic boundaries, calling His followers to "go and do likewise."

The Apostle Paul encourages believers to embody compassion as part of their Christian walk. In Colossians 3:12, he writes, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Compassion is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice to act in love and mercy towards others.

Personal Touch

The concept of a personal touch in the Bible is closely related to the idea of relational ministry and the importance of personal interaction in conveying God's love. Jesus' ministry was marked by personal encounters that demonstrated His care and concern for individuals.

One of the most profound examples of Jesus' personal touch is found in Mark 1:40-42, where a leper approaches Him, pleading for healing. "Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' He said, 'Be clean!' And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed." Jesus' willingness to touch the untouchable not only brought physical healing but also restored the man's dignity and place in society.

In another instance, Jesus' interaction with the woman at the well (John 4:1-26) demonstrates His personal approach to ministry. By engaging her in conversation and addressing her specific needs and questions, Jesus revealed His knowledge of her life and offered her the living water of eternal life. This personal encounter led to a transformative experience for the woman and her community.

The early church also emphasized the importance of personal relationships in ministry. The Apostle Paul often expressed his longing to be with fellow believers, as seen in Romans 1:11-12: "For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith." Personal touch in ministry involves mutual encouragement, support, and the sharing of spiritual gifts.

In summary, compassion and personal touch are integral to the Christian faith, reflecting God's nature and the example set by Jesus Christ. Believers are called to embody these qualities in their interactions with others, demonstrating God's love through both words and actions.
Subtopics

Compassion

Compassion and Sympathy: Christ Set an Example of

Compassion and Sympathy: David

Compassion and Sympathy: Elijah

Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: Enemies

Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: Saints

Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Afflicted

Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Chastened

Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Poor

Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Weak

Compassion and Sympathy: Exhortation To

Compassion and Sympathy: Illustrated

Compassion and Sympathy: Inseparable from Love to God

Compassion and Sympathy: Jews

Compassion and Sympathy: Job

Compassion and Sympathy: Job's Friends

Compassion and Sympathy: Motives to The Compassion of God

Compassion and Sympathy: Motives to The Sense of Our Infirmities

Compassion and Sympathy: Nehemiah

Compassion and Sympathy: Paul

Compassion and Sympathy: Pharaoh's Daughter

Compassion and Sympathy: Promise to Those Who Show

Compassion and Sympathy: Shobi

Compassion and Sympathy: The Wicked Made to Feel, for Saints

The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: An Encouragement to Prayer

The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Afflicted

The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Diseased

The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Perishing Sinners

The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Poor

The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Tempted

The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Weak in Faith

The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Weary and Heavy-Laden

The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Necessary to his Priestly office

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Compassion and Pardon
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