The compassion of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His deep love, mercy, and kindness towards humanity. This divine attribute is evident in both the Old and New Testaments, showcasing God's enduring patience and willingness to forgive and restore His people.

Old Testament

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "compassion" is "racham," which conveys a sense of deep mercy and tender affection. God's compassion is frequently associated with His covenantal relationship with Israel. 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 compassionate nature as foundational to His character.

The Psalms frequently 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." Here, God's compassion is likened to that of a loving parent, understanding and considerate of human frailty.

The prophets also highlight God's compassion, often in the context of calling Israel to repentance. 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, says the LORD, who has compassion on you." This promise emphasizes the steadfastness of God's compassionate commitment to His people, even amidst their unfaithfulness.

New Testament

In the New Testament, the Greek word "splagchnizomai" is used to describe the compassion of Jesus, reflecting a deep, visceral empathy. The Gospels frequently depict Jesus as moved with compassion, leading Him to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and teach the multitudes. 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' compassion is a direct expression of God's heart for humanity.

The parables of Jesus further illustrate divine compassion. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) portrays a father who is filled with compassion for his returning son, symbolizing God's readiness to forgive and restore those who repent. Similarly, the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) challenges believers to emulate God's compassion in their interactions with others.

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, God's compassion is linked to His role as a comforter, providing solace and strength to believers in their afflictions.

Theological Significance

The compassion of God is integral to understanding His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. It is through His compassion that God sent His Son into the world, as expressed in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This ultimate act of compassion underscores the depth of God's love and His desire for reconciliation with humanity.

God's compassion also serves as a model for Christian conduct. Believers are called to reflect God's compassion in their lives, as instructed in Colossians 3:12, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." This call to embody compassion highlights its importance in the Christian life, fostering a community that mirrors God's love and mercy.