Developed Meaning of Compassion
Compassion has been used as an emotive and spiritual force in the Bible. When we look at its etymology, the word “compassion” is derived from the Latin word “compati”, which means “to suffer with”, illustrating an interconnectedness between individuals and their suffering. In the Bible, compassion is connected to the sacred, with God’s love and mercy being extensions of divine compassion, often displayed towards those in need. Moreover, our own ability to empathise and forgive is presented as an extension of God’s own compassion.
The term “compassion” can be found in the Bible at least fifty-nine times, according to a Bible search engine. In Hebrew, the term for compassion is “rahamim”, which can be translated as “tender mercy”. In the gospel of Luke, Jesus uses the term when he speaks of being compassionate and prudent, emphasizing the importance of being kind in our thoughts, words and deeds. In Matthew, Jesus also communicates the importance of being compassionate through the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
The Bible additionally shows us how compassion motivates people to help others and show kindness. For example, in the Book of Ruth, we can clearly see the compassionate actions of Boaz, Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer, who helps her in her hour of need. Likewise, the prophet Hosea shows us the importance of unconditional love, compassion and grace in our lives.
Reaffirmed Sympathy Through Kindness
The Bible is full of examples of people having compassion on each other, offering assistance in times of need. Abraham was compassionate towards Lot, saving him and his family when Lot’s city was conquered. Later, Moses encourages the Israelites to love the stranger and show mercy to those who are not part of their community. These two instances clearly show the Bible’s affirmation of care, love and kindness.
The Bible contains many stories that illustrate the importance of showing our compassion through our behaviour and deeds. In 1 Corinthians 12:25, we are told to care for one another, and in 1 John 3:17, we are instructed to be kind and generous to those in need. Moreover, Jesus’ assertion that ‘whatever you do unto the least of these, my brethren, you do unto me’ reinforces the connection between cosmic love and compassion.
The Bible also shows us how humility and obedience help us to show our compassion. Joshua, for example, is a perfect example of this; his obedience to God and his willingness to serve and love the Israelites demonstrates that our actions are a reflection of our level of love and care for others.
Sacrifice and Compassion
Sacrifice is another form of compassion communicated in the Bible. Jacob’s sacrifice to God is an example of this. He offered up one of his animals to God in return for the Lord’s protection and guidance, illustrating how a compassionate attitude can lead to positive outcomes. The Sacred Sacrificial Lamb (Isaiah 53) also portrays Jesus’ willingness to suffer and die, showing that the ultimate form of compassion is sacrifice. Isaiah 1:15-17 gives us an even clearer picture of God’s loving attitude towards us and how our own behaviour should reflect that same spirit of compassion and love.
Sacrifice can also be found in the prophet Daniel’s compassion towards his people. He was willing to lay down his life for their safety, sacrificing himself for their well-being.
In the Bible, ultimately we can see the great lengths to which those full of compassion have gone to ensure the safety and well-being of those in need. This “sacrifice” is communicated in various stories, from Abraham’s sacrifice of his son to Jesus’ crucifixion as a sacrifice for the world. These stories show us the great power of compassion in action.
Sacramental Compassion
The Christian Bible is full of references to “sacramental” compassion. The most notable example is Jesus’ ministry on earth, in which compassion and love were used to heal and bring people closer to God. Jesus’ love and compassion helped him bring the message of salvation to humanity, a message that is reiterated in the Gospels and throughout the New Testament.
Other examples of sacramental compassion can be found in the Catholic religion, in which compassion is seen as part of the “sacraments”, a mark of God’s mercy and love. Jesus is portrayed as the embodiment of compassion, teaching us how to show mercy even in the most difficult of situations. His example is constantly referred to throughout the Bible as a source of comfort and inspiration.
The Sacraments are also said to be a source of compassion and grace, which can be accessed through prayer, repentance, confession and worship. These acts of devotion can be used to experience God’s love and mercy, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and peace in our lives.
A Call To Compassion
The Bible is full of stories and teachings that illustrate the importance of displaying compassion in our lives. From the teachings of Jesus to the sacred Sacrificial Lamb, compassion is presented as a way to show mercy and kindness to those in need. In addition, sacrifice plays a key role in demonstrating our level of compassion and care. Ultimately, compassion is said to be a reflection of God’s love, and by showing compassion to those around us, we are in turn giving thanks to God for His own compassion and mercy.
The Bible offers us a call to demonstrate our compassion to all people, no matter their religion, class or race. We must strive to be respectful and understanding, remembering that by doing so, we are showing our respect for God’s mercy and grace. Therefore, the next time we encounter someone in need, we should respond with kindness, generosity and mercy, understanding that doing so is a reflection of our faith.
Compassion and Self-Compassion
The Bible is clear in its presentation of how we should treat others, reminding us to be compassionate in our interactions with people. However, it can also be argued that we should focus on developing a sense of self-compassion in equal measure. Showing ourselves the same level of compassion and grace that we extend to others can be difficult, but is essential to our emotional and spiritual growth.
Matthew 7:12 advises us to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, encouraging us to treat ourselves with the same amount of care and respect we show other people. We must strive to be gentle and kind in our thoughts and actions, forgiving ourselves for our mistakes and recognising our own worth.
The Bible is a source of great life lessons, however it is often overlooked in non-Theistic circles. By understanding the nuances and interpretations of the bible, one can gain insight into spiritual concepts such as compassion. Without compassion, humans cannot live in harmony, making this virtue invaluable to our society.
Application of Compassion
The key to showing compassion in our lives lies in our ability to understand and empathise with others. It is important to be able to recognise when someone is in need and be prepared to offer support and guidance. The most important thing to remember is that compassion should be exercised in the present, so no one is left behind or forgotten.
Compassion can also be seen in how we treat the environment. Deuteronomy 24:19-22 encourages us to be mindful of our treatment of nature, suggesting that we should have a special concern for the needs of animals and the environment. Furthermore, in Genesis 1:28, we are instructed to “fill the earth and subdue it”, meaning that we should use our power and strength in a compassionate manner.
The bible also talks about cultivating compassion. In Galatians 5:13-15, we are instructed to “serve one another in love”, in order to develop a more compassionate outlook on life. These verses suggest that if we work together, we can create a society that is driven by love, understanding and mercy.
In summary, the Bible is full of references to compassion and its importance in our lives. Compassion should be exercised in all aspects of our lives, from how we treat our fellow humans to how we treat the environment. Furthermore, genuine compassion starts within ourselves, so we must strive to cultivate self-compassion as well as offering compassion to others.
