Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and NatureCompassions, in the biblical context, refer to the deep feelings of mercy, kindness, and empathy that God and His followers are called to exhibit. The term is often associated with God's tender mercies and His willingness to forgive and restore His people. It is a profound emotional response that leads to action, reflecting God's character and His expectations for human behavior.
Biblical ReferencesThe concept of compassions is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating both divine and human expressions of mercy. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "compassion" is "racham," which conveys a sense of deep love and mercy. In the New Testament, the Greek word "splagchnizomai" is used, indicating a visceral, heartfelt response.
Divine CompassionsGod's compassions are a central theme in the Bible, highlighting His enduring love and mercy towards humanity.
Lamentations 3:22-23 states, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" This passage underscores the perpetual and renewing nature of God's compassion, which is foundational to His relationship with His people.
In
Psalm 103:13 , it is written, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him." Here, God's compassion is likened to that of a loving parent, emphasizing His care and understanding.
Jesus Christ as the Embodiment of CompassionThe life and ministry of Jesus Christ provide the ultimate example of compassion. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is frequently moved with compassion, leading Him to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and teach the lost. In
Matthew 9:36 , it is recorded, "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. His miracles and teachings are often preceded by a deep sense of empathy for those in need, demonstrating the active nature of true compassion.
Human Expressions of CompassionBelievers are called to emulate God's compassion in their interactions with others.
Colossians 3:12 instructs, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." This verse highlights compassion as a fundamental characteristic of a Christian life, urging believers to embody these virtues in their daily conduct.
The parable of the Good Samaritan (
Luke 10:25-37) serves as a powerful illustration of human compassion. The Samaritan's willingness to help a wounded stranger, despite cultural and social barriers, exemplifies the selfless and active nature of true compassion.
The Role of Compassion in the Christian CommunityCompassion is essential for fostering unity and love within the Christian community.
Ephesians 4:32 encourages believers to "be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This call to compassion and forgiveness is vital for maintaining healthy relationships and reflecting God's love to the world.
In practical terms, compassion involves meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others. Acts of service, charity, and intercessory prayer are tangible expressions of compassion that demonstrate the love of Christ to a hurting world.
Greek
3629. oiktirmon -- merciful... Cognate: 3629 (an adjective, derived from 3627 , "express visceral-
compassions") --
compassionate, experiencing deep pity (lamentation) as for people who look
...3628. oiktirmos -- compassion, pity
... misfortune (, 1:159). 3628 ("visceralcompassions") is used of the , and
powerfully in those following Him. Word Origin from oiktiro...
Strong's Hebrew
5150. nichum -- comfort, compassion... Word Origin from nacham Definition comfort, compassion NASB Word Usage comfort
(1), comforting (1),
compassions (1). comfortable, repenting.
...7356. racham -- compassion
... Word Origin from the same as rechem Definition compassion NASB Word Usage compassion
(30),compassions (1), deeply (1), deeply* (1), mercies (4), mercy (2)....
Library
To Whose Person the Entreaty for the Promises is to be Understood...
... 12."To Whose Person the Entreaty for the Promises is to Be Understood to Belong,
When He Says in the Psalm, "Where are Thine AncientCompassions, Lord?" Etc....
February the Twenty-Fifth the Fresh Eye
... "Hiscompassions fail not: they are new every morning." "Lamentations
3:22-33.... "Thou, God, seest me," and "Hiscompassions fail not."....
Philippians ii. 4-Jan
... "If there is therefore any comfort in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any
fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies andcompassions, fulfil ye my...
Psalm CXLV.
... 7. "Merciful and pitiful is the Lord; long-suffering, and very merciful" (ver.8).
"Sweet is the Lord to all, and Hiscompassions reach into all His works" (ver...
To the Reader. Christian Reader
... whisperer against providence, and make them say, as Lamentations 3:22, "It is of
the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, even because hiscompassions fail not...
Surpassing Glories of Eternity.
... 556. SM Stennett. Surpassing Glories of Eternity. 1 How various and how new Are
thycompassions, Lord!... 5 How various and how new Are thycompassions, Lord!...
Spiritual Hunger Shall be Satisfied
... and begins to hunger after Christ, saying, there is bread enough and to spare in
my Father's house', God will then out of his infinitecompassions bring forth...
Prayer Born of Compassion
... Hiscompassions are moved. The ripened harvests need labourers.... Here is the
urgency of prayer enforced by thecompassions of our Lord....
Certain Prayers and Laws.
... Let us stand up, and beg for the mercies of the Lord, and Hiscompassions, for the
angel of peace, for what things are good and profitable, for a Christian...
Revelation of Esdras.
... And Esdras said: As the Lord liveth, I will not cease pleading with Thee in behalf
of the race of the Christians. Where are Thine ancientcompassions, O Lord?...
Thesaurus
Compassions (17 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Compassions (17 Occurrences).
... the yearning of thy heart
and thy
compassions are restrained toward me. (ASV JPS).
...Compassion (145 Occurrences)
... merciful" (the American Standard Revised Version "merciful" in all cases) (Exodus
34:6 Nehemiah 9:17 Psalm 103:8 Joel 2:13 Jonah 4:2); "compassions for mercies...
Compassionate (22 Occurrences)
Compel (10 Occurrences)
Lovingkindnesses (11 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV NAS). Lamentations 3:22 It is of' Jehovah's lovingkindnesses that we
are not consumed, because hiscompassions fail not. (ASV NAS)....
Intelligent (47 Occurrences)
... Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by thecompassions of God, to present
your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your...
Encouragement (25 Occurrences)
... (WEY DBY RSV NIV). 2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father ofcompassions, and God of all encouragement; (DBY)....
Presenting (16 Occurrences)
... the city upon which Thy name is called; for we do not present our supplications
before Thee because of our righteousness, but because of Thy greatcompassions....
Sanctified (105 Occurrences)
... Romans 12:1 I call upon you, therefore, brethren, through thecompassions of God,
to present your bodies a sacrifice -- living, sanctified, acceptable to God...
Sacrifices (186 Occurrences)
... Romans 12:1 I call upon you, therefore, brethren, through thecompassions of God,
to present your bodies a sacrifice -- living, sanctified, acceptable to God...
Resources
What does it mean that God's mercies are new every morning? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I learn to trust in the faithfulness of God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about compassion? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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