Topical Bible: God is Declared to Be: Compassionate

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The attribute of compassion is a central aspect of God's character as revealed in the Bible. The term "compassion" refers to a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering, coupled with a desire to alleviate it. In Scripture, God's compassion is frequently highlighted as a defining feature of His relationship with humanity.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, God's compassion is often linked with His mercy and lovingkindness. One of the most explicit declarations of God's compassionate nature is found in Exodus 34:6, where God reveals Himself to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This self-revelation underscores the depth of God's compassion as an integral part of His divine nature.

The Psalms frequently echo this theme, celebrating God's compassion as a source of comfort and hope. 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." Here, God's compassion is likened to that of a loving parent, emphasizing His understanding and care for human frailty.

The prophets also speak of God's compassion, often in the context of His covenant relationship with Israel. 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." This passage highlights God's commitment to His people, promising comfort and restoration.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the compassion of God is vividly demonstrated through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies divine compassion, consistently showing mercy and kindness to those in need. 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 illustrates Jesus' deep empathy and concern for the spiritual and physical well-being of the people.

The parables of Jesus further illustrate God's compassionate nature. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) portrays a father who is filled with compassion for his wayward son, welcoming him back with open arms. This account serves as a powerful metaphor for God's readiness to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of God's compassion in his epistles. 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." Here, Paul emphasizes that God's compassion is not only a source of personal solace but also a model for believers to emulate in their interactions with others.

Theological Implications

The declaration of God as compassionate has profound theological implications. It assures believers of God's unwavering love and mercy, providing a foundation for trust and reliance on His goodness. God's compassion is not merely an abstract quality but is actively expressed in His dealings with humanity, offering hope and redemption to a fallen world.

Throughout the biblical narrative, God's compassion is a recurring theme that underscores His desire for a relationship with His creation. It is a testament to His willingness to engage with human suffering and to offer grace and healing. As such, the compassion of God remains a central tenet of the Christian faith, inviting believers to experience and reflect His love in their own lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 13:23
And the LORD was gracious to them, and had compassion on them, and had respect to them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"Behold Your God!"
... great majesty; yet the prophet was made to understand the compassionate nature of ...
would not be received if they should return to God, the prophet declared: ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 26 behold your god.htm

Approaching Doom
... He emphasized anew the importance of maintaining a covenant relationship with the
all-merciful and compassionate Being who upon ... God had declared that if at ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 35 approaching doom.htm

The Divine Shepherd
... shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature ...
Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 52 the divine shepherd.htm

Of the Loving Condolence by which the Complacency of Love is Still ...
... BY WHICH THE COMPLACENCY OF LOVE IS STILL BETTER DECLARED. ... herself in some sort of
the compassionate grief which ... good Jacob knew that his son lived,"O God! ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iv of the loving.htm

"Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge"
... not, however, taken fully into account the compassionate nature of ... the efforts of
Satan to thwart God's purpose for ... things of My law," He declared through Hosea ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 24 destroyed for lack.htm

God Willing that all Men Should be Saved.
... his nature, forbidden by his law, and declared to be ... their iniquity, to be pleasing
to God, or the ... The compassionate Redeemer called those sinners to repentance ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xvii god willing that.htm

Snares of Satan.
... The same compassionate Saviour lives to-day, and He is as willing to listen ... from
the unwilling lips of the prophet, the Spirit of God declared the prosperity ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /32 snares of satan.htm

Snares of Satan
... The same compassionate Saviour lives today, and He is as willing to listen to ... from
the unwilling lips of the prophet, the Spirit of God declared the prosperity ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 32 snares of satan.htm

Light through Darkness.
... kingdom of God" which they had declared to be ... Bible, the expression "kingdom of God"
is employed ... After pointing to Christ, the compassionate intercessor who is ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /19 light through darkness.htm

Light through Darkness
... kingdom of God" which they had declared to be ... Bible, the expression "kingdom of God"
is employed ... After pointing to Christ, the compassionate intercessor who is ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 19 light through darkness.htm