Compassion, a central theme in the Bible, is the deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering, coupled with a desire to alleviate that suffering. It is a reflection of God's own nature and is expected to be a defining characteristic of His followers. The Bible frequently illustrates God's compassion towards humanity, as seen in Psalm 103:13, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him."

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies compassion through His ministry. He is often moved by compassion to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and teach 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." This compassion is not merely an emotional response but prompts action, demonstrating that true compassion involves both feeling and doing.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is a profound example of compassion in action. The Samaritan, moved by compassion, tends to the wounds of a man beaten by robbers, illustrating that compassion transcends social and ethnic boundaries. This parable teaches that compassion is a duty owed to all, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes compassion as a vital Christian virtue. In Colossians 3:12, he instructs believers to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." This directive underscores the importance of compassion as part of the Christian character, urging believers to reflect Christ's love in their interactions with others.

Stewardship

Stewardship in the Bible refers to the responsible management of the resources and gifts that God has entrusted to individuals. It is rooted in the understanding that everything belongs to God, and humans are merely caretakers of His creation. This concept is introduced in Genesis 1:28, where God commands Adam and Eve to "fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that moves on the ground."

The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) is a key biblical teaching on stewardship. In this parable, a master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money before leaving on a journey. Upon his return, he rewards those who have wisely invested and multiplied their resources, while the servant who buried his talent out of fear is reprimanded. This parable highlights the expectation that believers are to use their God-given resources—be it time, talents, or treasures—for the advancement of God's kingdom.

Stewardship extends beyond financial resources to include the care of the environment, as seen in Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." This verse reminds believers of their responsibility to care for the earth as part of their stewardship duties.

The New Testament further elaborates on stewardship in 1 Peter 4:10, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." This passage emphasizes that stewardship involves serving others and using one's gifts for the common good, reflecting God's grace and generosity.

In summary, both compassion and stewardship are integral to the Christian life, calling believers to reflect God's love and manage His resources wisely for His glory and the benefit of others.