COMPASSION
Compassion, defined as the sympathetic concern for the sufferings of others and a sincere desire to alleviate such suffering, is a virtue cherished across cultures and religions. In the Christian tradition, the concept of compassion(empathy) is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the narratives of the Bible.
Etymology:
In Hebrew, the word root for compassion is ““רָחַם” ( raḥam ),, which conveys the idea of showing mercy, compassion, or tender affection. This root is used in various forms in the Hebrew Bible to express God’s compassion towards humanity and also to urge humans to show compassion towards one another.
In Greek, the word root for compassion is “σπλάγχνον” ( splanchnon ), which refers to the inward parts of the body, particularly the bowels or the visceral organs. However, in ancient Greece, it came to symbolize deep feelings of compassion, tenderness, or empathy. This root is utilized in the New Testament to convey the idea of heartfelt compassion, often in the context of Jesus’ interactions with people who are suffering or marginalized.
Compassion: From the Old Testament
Through poignant narratives and teachings, the Old Testament illuminates the significance of as a guiding principle for humanity.
God's Empathy for His People
God reveals His Kind-heartedness to Moses, proclaiming Himself as “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”
This declaration underscores God’s enduring empathy for His people, despite their shortcomings. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming,
“The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” ( Exodus 34: 6-7 )
Demonstrating Empathy and Kindness through Deeds.
The psalmist depicts God’s compassion as that of a father towards his children, emphasizing His tender heartedness and willingness to forgive.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; ( Psalm 103: 13 )
Exhibiting Empathy and Benevolence through Actions.
Using the metaphor of a nursing mother, Isaiah portrays God’s unwavering empathy, stating that even if a mother forgets her nursing child, God will never forget His people.
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget, I will not forget you! ( Isaiah 49:15 )
Human Invocation for Empathy.
The proverb exhorts individuals to extend kind heartness to the needy, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between acts of kindness and divine favour.
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.
( Proverbs 19:17 )
Micah emphasizes the importance of acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God, reflecting the essence of kindness in life.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. ( Micah 6:8 )
Compassion From The New Testament
Empathy, a cornerstone of Christian ethics, radiates through the pages of the New Testament, illuminating the transformative power of empathy and kindness. Compassion embodies the deep-seated concern and mercy exemplified by Jesus Christ.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
In this parable, Jesus illustrates compassion through the Samaritan’s selfless actions towards a wounded stranger. His response to the man’s suffering transcends cultural boundaries, emphasising the universal call to empathise with those in need. ( Luke 10: 25-37 )
Jesus' Healing Ministry
Moved by compassion, Jesus heals the sick and comforts the afflicted, demonstrating his profound empathy towards human suffering.
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. ( Matthew 14:14 )
Jesus extends his hand to touch a leper, defying social stigma and embodying compassionate love.
Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” ( Mark 1:41 )
The Prodigal Son
Through this parable, Jesus portrays the father’s unconditional love and forgiveness towards his wayward son, symbolising God’s boundless compassion and grace towards repentant sinners. ( Luke 15: 11-32 )
Jesus' Empathy for the Multitudes
Jesus is described as having compassion for the crowds, viewing them as sheep without a shepherd. This passage underscores Jesus’ deep concern for the spiritual well-being of humanity.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ( Matthew 9:36 )
Biblical Figures and Their Acts
In the annals of history, Jesus Christ’s life, teachings, and actions vividly illustrate the boundless depths of empathy, mercy, and love. Rooted in the foundational principles of Christianity, Jesus’ compassion transcends time and culture, serving as a guiding light for believers seeking to emulate His divine character.
1) Jesus: The Great Example of Mercy
His life, teachings, and actions vividly illustrate the boundless depths of empathy, mercy, and love. Rooted in the foundational principles of Christianity, Jesus’ compassion transcends time and culture, serving as a guiding light for believers seeking to emulate His divine character.
Healing the Sick:
Jesus’ ministry was marked by numerous instances of healing the sick, demonstrating His profound empathy towards those suffering from physical ailments.
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” ( Matthew 14:14 )
Feeding the Multitudes:
Jesus’ compassion extended to ensuring the physical well-being of the crowds that followed Him, as seen in the miraculous feeding of the multitudes.
“I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” ( Matthew 15:32 )
Forgiving Sinners:
Even in the face of betrayal, rejection, and crucifixion, Jesus exhibited unparalleled compassion by interceding for the forgiveness of those who persecuted Him.
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'” ( Luke 23:34 )
Comforting the Afflicted:
Jesus’ response to the grief of Mary and Martha at the death of their brother Lazarus demonstrates His empathetic response to human suffering, culminating in the iconic phrase,
“Jesus wept.” “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled… Jesus wept.” ( John 11: 33-35 )
Moses
Known for leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, Moses displayed compassion towards his people despite their grumblings and disobedience. He interceded on behalf of the Israelites numerous times, pleading for God’s mercy and forgiveness.
But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. “LORD,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. 13 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’” 14 Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened. ( Exodus 32: 11-14 )
David
Despite his flaws, King David was characterized by his compassion and mercy, as evidenced in his treatment of Saul, his predecessor and adversary. David showed kindness and forgiveness towards Saul, even when he had the opportunity to harm him.
This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the LORD’s anointed.’
( 1 Samuel 24: 10-15 )
Ruth
Ruth’s compassion towards her mother-in-law Naomi is celebrated in the biblical narrative. She chose to stay with Naomi and support her, even in the face of adversity, demonstrating loyalty and selflessness.
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” ( Ruth 1: 16-17 )
Joseph
Despite being betrayed and sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph showed compassion towards them when they faced famine in Canaan. He forgave themA and welcomed them with open arms when they came seeking food and shelter in Egypt.
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Mary’s compassion and humility are evident in her acceptance of the role as the mother of Jesus, despite the challenges and stigma she faced. Her presence at the foot of the cross during Jesus’ crucifixion reflects her unwavering love and compassion for her son.
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
( John 19: 25-27 )
Merciful Character
Cultivate Empathy
Jesus consistently prioritized the needs of others above His own, demonstrating a selfless and empathetic approach to life. To adopt His compassionate nature, cultivate empathy by actively seeking to understand the experiences and emotions of those around us.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” ( Philippians 2:4 )
Practice Forgiveness
Jesus’ ministry was marked by radical forgiveness, even in the face of betrayal and persecution. To adopt His compassionate nature, practice forgiveness towards others, recognizing that we have been forgiven by God.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” ( Ephesians 4:32 )
Serve Others
Jesus modelled servant leadership, prioritizing acts of service and compassion towards others. To adopt His compassionate nature, actively seek opportunities to serve those in need, following His example of humility and selflessness.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
( Mark 10:45 )
Advantages
Inner Peace and Fulfillment
Embracing Jesus’ compassionate nature leads to inner peace and fulfilment, as we experience the blessings of God’s mercy and grace in our own lives.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” ( Matthew 5:7 )
Strengthened Relationships
Compassion fosters deeper connections and strengthens relationships, as love and empathy become the foundation for meaningful interactions with others.
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” ( Colossians 3:14 )