Introduction

Compassion and sympathy are central themes in the Bible, reflecting the character of God and His dealings with humanity. These attributes are not only encouraged among believers but are also exemplified by God Himself. The compassion of God is a profound expression of His love and mercy, motivating His actions towards His creation. This entry explores the biblical basis for understanding God's compassion and the motives behind it.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently portrays God as compassionate and merciful. 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 the intrinsic nature of God's compassion as part of His divine character.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies the compassion of God. Matthew 9:36 describes Jesus' response to the crowds: "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Jesus' earthly ministry is replete with acts of compassion, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and offering forgiveness.

Motives to God's Compassion

1. Love for His Creation

God's compassion is deeply rooted in His love for His creation. As the Creator, God has an intimate connection with all He has made. Psalm 145:9 states, "The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made." This universal compassion reflects God's desire for the well-being of His creation, motivating Him to act mercifully.

2. Covenant Faithfulness

God's compassion is also motivated by His covenant faithfulness. Throughout the Old Testament, God demonstrates compassion towards Israel, despite their repeated disobedience. In Isaiah 54:10, God reassures His people, "Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken." God's compassion is an expression of His unwavering commitment to His promises.

3. Desire for Repentance and Restoration

God's compassion is intricately linked to His desire for repentance and restoration. In Ezekiel 18:23, God declares, "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn't I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?" God's compassionate nature drives Him to offer opportunities for repentance, seeking to restore broken relationships with His people.

4. Justice and Righteousness

God's compassion is balanced by His justice and righteousness. In Psalm 103:6, it is written, "The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all the oppressed." God's compassion is not a passive sentiment but an active force that seeks to address injustice and bring about righteousness. His compassionate actions are motivated by a desire to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable.

5. Example for Believers

God's compassion serves as a model for believers, motivating them to emulate His character. In Colossians 3:12, Paul exhorts, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Believers are called to reflect God's compassion in their interactions with others, motivated by the example set by their Creator.

Conclusion

The compassion of God is a profound and multifaceted attribute, deeply rooted in His love, covenant faithfulness, desire for repentance, justice, and as an example for His people. Through His compassionate actions, God reveals His heart for humanity, inviting all to experience His mercy and grace.Matthew 13:27,33
So the servants of the householder came and said to him, Sir, did not you sow good seed in your field? from where then has it tares?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Christian Sympathy
... If there be no act there is no sympathy. ... have need, and shutteth up his bowels of
compassion from him ... a naked child: we should give from pure motives, and not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

Who is on the Lord's Side? Exodus 32:26.
... from real love to religion, and some from other motives. ... a murderer hung, you would
feel compassion for him ... The wicked have this natural sympathy for those that ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/who is on the lords.htm

The Church and Social Evils
... communion with Christ there is no sufficient sympathy. III. ... motives except the
highest"namely, compassion caught from ... you appeal to this highest of motives. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the church and social evils.htm

The Ark among the Flags
... should yield to the impulses of their compassion, and never ... out its designs by all
the play of human motives. ... and would give him a keener sympathy with his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the ark among the flags.htm

The Existence of Moral Evil, or Sin, Reconciled with the Holiness ...
... moral agent by the application of motives and persuasion ... The attribute of mercy or
compassion would have been ... deep and rapturous emotions of sympathy and delight ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter vi the existence of.htm

God's Sovereignty and the Human Will
... the one alternative being supported by stronger motives than the ... visit the sick;
he was moved with compassion to do ... sense of duty plus his own sympathy, on the ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter seven gods sovereignty and.htm

False Comforts for Sinners.
... in dealing with anxious sinners, but it is evidently overlooked by many, who seem
to have no higher motives, than sympathy or compassion for the sinner ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xvii false comforts for.htm

In his Temple
... be the guardians of the people; but they were without sympathy or compassion. ... that
this Man reads their inmost thoughts, and discovers their hidden motives. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm

Grace and Graces
... and so does the glow of compassion, the exercise of the natural human sympathy which
belongs ... Any taint of such mixed motives as these infuses poison ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/grace and graces.htm

The Solidarity of the Human Family
... brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him ... Which of these motives are
directly taken from the ... humour; what is all this but an inverted sympathy? ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter ii the solidarity of.htm

What does the Bible say about empathy? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Good Samaritan? | GotQuestions.org

Does God have emotions? | GotQuestions.org

Compassion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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