Topical Encyclopedia God's compassion is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His deep love and mercy towards humanity. 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.Old Testament In the Old Testament, God's compassion is frequently highlighted in His dealings with the Israelites. Despite their repeated disobedience, God continually shows mercy and compassion. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals His character to Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This declaration underscores the compassionate nature of God as foundational to His identity. The Psalms often 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." This passage illustrates God's understanding of human frailty and His tender care for His people. The prophets also speak of God's compassion. 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." Here, God's compassion is linked to His role as a comforter and deliverer. New Testament In the New Testament, the compassion of God is most vividly demonstrated through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies God's compassion, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and offering forgiveness to sinners. 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 passage highlights Jesus' deep empathy and concern for the spiritual and physical needs of the people. The parables of Jesus also reflect God's compassion. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) is a profound illustration of God's compassionate nature. When the wayward son returns, the father, representing God, is filled with compassion and runs to embrace him, symbolizing God's readiness to forgive and restore those who repent. The Apostle Paul speaks of God's compassion in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, he 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." This passage emphasizes that God's compassion is not only a source of personal solace but also a model for believers to emulate in their relationships with others. Theological Significance God's compassion is integral to His covenant relationship with His people. It is through His compassion that God provides salvation, offering grace and forgiveness to those who turn to Him. The sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the ultimate expressions of God's compassionate love, providing a means for reconciliation and eternal life. Throughout Scripture, God's compassion is portrayed as both a divine attribute and a call to action for believers. As recipients of God's compassion, Christians are encouraged to reflect His love and mercy in their interactions with others, embodying the compassion of Christ in a broken and hurting world. Topical Bible Verses John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Topicalbible.org Psalm 147:3 1 Peter 2:24 1 Samuel 15:3 Library In Scripture, the True God Opposed, Exclusively, to all the Gods ... Faustus Denies that Manich??ans Believe in Two Gods. Hyle no God. ... The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea The Heavenly Father On the Contrary, they Deserve the Name of Faction who Conspire to ... The Unity of God The victory of the God-Beloved Emperors. That Forgetfulness of Reason Makes Men Ignorant of the True God, And Now Let us Proceed to Explain the Reasons for which this ... Jacob's Waking Exclamation Resources Are Christians “little gods”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is the God of gods and Lord of lords? | GotQuestions.org Why is "You shall have no other gods before me" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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