English breakdown of Compassion = “to suffer together”
The Hebrew word is Rakhum Closely related Rekhem – the word for womb.
Around 80% of the usage of Rakhum in the Old Testament is describing God’s compassion towards humanity.
Dimension #1: Rakhum compassion is a deep emotional movement toward someone.
Two takeaways:
- Humanity – even the People of God – are vulnerable, broken, make mistakes and turn away/betray God.
- Yahweh – the Creator – is ALWAYS positioned toward humanity with compassion because of His character.
Dimension #2: Rakhum compassion is action that is launched from this deep emotional movement.
Compassion is connected to two main actions:
- Forgiveness
- Deliverance
Jesus is God’s biggest revelation of His compassion in its fullness.
Jesus IS the embodiment of the compassion of God AND He embodies that compassion for us.
