Compassion of God

The compassion of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His deep love and mercy towards His creation. The Hebrew word often translated as "compassion" is "racham," which conveys a sense of deep, tender love, akin to the love a parent has for a child. In the New Testament, the Greek word "oiktirmos" is used, emphasizing mercy and pity.

One of the most profound expressions of God's compassion is found in the Old Testament. 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 nature as one who is inherently compassionate, extending grace and mercy to His people.

The Psalms frequently highlight 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." This passage illustrates God's understanding of human frailty and His tender care for His people.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies God's compassion. 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' ministry is marked by acts of healing, teaching, and feeding, all driven by His compassionate heart.

Justice of God

God's justice is another fundamental attribute, reflecting His righteousness and moral order. The Hebrew word for justice, "mishpat," and the Greek word "dikaiosyne" in the New Testament, both convey the idea of righteousness, fairness, and the right ordering of things according to God's standards.

The Bible consistently portrays God as a just judge. In Deuteronomy 32:4, Moses declares, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." This passage affirms that God's actions are always just and that He is the ultimate standard of righteousness.

The prophets often called Israel back to justice, emphasizing that true worship of God involves living justly. Micah 6:8 famously states, "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?" This verse encapsulates the biblical call to justice as an integral part of a faithful life.

In the New Testament, God's justice is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:25-26 explains, "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus." Through Christ's sacrificial death, God's justice is satisfied, and His mercy is extended to believers.

Interplay of Compassion and Justice

The interplay between God's compassion and justice is a profound mystery that is harmoniously resolved in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While God's justice demands the punishment of sin, His compassion provides a way of redemption. Psalm 85:10 poetically captures this balance: "Loving devotion and faithfulness have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed."

The cross of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of this divine harmony. In His sacrificial death, Jesus satisfies the demands of justice while simultaneously extending God's compassion and mercy to humanity. This duality is central to the Christian understanding of salvation and the character of God.

Throughout Scripture, believers are called to emulate God's compassion and justice in their own lives. James 1:27 exhorts, "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." This call to action reflects the heart of God, who desires His people to live out His attributes in a world in need of both justice and compassion.