Inclusion

Inclusion, within the biblical context, refers to the act of embracing and welcoming all individuals into the community of faith, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or social status. The Bible presents a vision of God's kingdom where all are invited to partake in His grace and love.

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for inclusion through the Abrahamic covenant, which promises that "all the families of the earth will be blessed" through Abraham's descendants (Genesis 12:3). This covenant underscores God's intention to extend His blessings beyond the boundaries of Israel to all nations.

The New Testament further expands on this theme, particularly through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus consistently reached out to those marginalized by society, including tax collectors, sinners, and Samaritans. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates that love and compassion should transcend ethnic and social barriers, emphasizing that one's neighbor is anyone in need.

The Apostle Paul reinforces the concept of inclusion in his epistles. In Galatians 3:28 , he declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This statement highlights the unity and equality of all believers in Christ, breaking down the divisions that often separate humanity.

The early church also grappled with issues of inclusion, particularly concerning Gentile converts. The Jerusalem Council, as recorded in Acts 15, addressed these concerns by affirming that Gentiles could be included in the faith without adhering to all Jewish customs, thus promoting a more inclusive community.

Compassion

Compassion is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's character and His expectations for His people. It involves a deep empathy and a desire to alleviate the suffering of others, often manifesting in acts of kindness and mercy.

The Hebrew Scriptures frequently describe God as compassionate. In Exodus 34:6 , God reveals Himself to Moses as "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This self-revelation sets a standard for how God's people are to treat one another.

The Psalms often celebrate God's compassion, as seen in Psalm 103:13 : "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him." This imagery conveys the tender care and concern God has for His people.

In the New Testament, Jesus embodies compassion through His actions and teachings. He heals the sick, feeds the hungry, and comforts the grieving. In Matthew 9:36 , it is noted, "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 not merely an emotional response but a catalyst for action.

The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) further illustrates divine compassion. The father's willingness to forgive and restore his wayward son reflects God's readiness to extend mercy and grace to repentant sinners.

The Apostle Paul encourages believers to emulate Christ's compassion. In Colossians 3:12 , he writes, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." This exhortation calls Christians to actively practice compassion in their daily lives, reflecting the love of Christ to the world.

Inclusion and compassion are intertwined in the biblical narrative, revealing a God who desires all people to experience His love and grace and calling His followers to mirror these attributes in their interactions with others.