Demonstrating Compassion and Kindness to Those with Different Traditions
Compassion and kindness toward those of different traditions are consistently emphasized in biblical texts and theological interpretations. This principle is rooted in the understanding of God's character and is presented as a fundamental aspect of Christian conduct [11, 12].
The Old Testament sets a precedent for showing compassion to strangers, often reminding the Israelites of their own experience as foreigners in Egypt. Laws concerning strangers and the poor, such as those in Leviticus 19:33-34 and Deuteronomy 15:7, reflect this spirit of hospitality [5]. Abraham's entertainment of angels and Lot's hospitality to strangers in Genesis 18 and 19 further illustrate this ancient virtue [5]. The prophet Jeremiah also speaks of God's compassion extending even to other nations, suggesting that restoration is possible for all, regardless of their past wickedness [8].
In the New Testament, the call to compassion and kindness is reiterated and expanded. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 4:2, exhorts believers to live "with all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in charity" [2]. Similarly, in Colossians 3:12, believers are urged to "put on therefore bowels of mercy," emphasizing that kindness is not merely the absence of malice but an active disposition to do good to all [11]. This is presented as a characteristic of those who are "elect of God, holy and beloved" [11].
Specific instructions are given regarding hospitality. Romans 12:13 encourages believers to "share with the saints who are in need" and to "practice hospitality" [3]. This is not limited to fellow believers, as the broader context of Romans 12:20-21 suggests that acts of Christian kindness can even lead hostile individuals to repentance and restore fellowship [10]. First Peter 4:9 reinforces this, stating, "Show hospitality to one another without complaining" [4]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary clarifies that this is not the "spurious hospitality which passes current in the world," but genuine hospitality extended from "Christian love," especially to those in need or exiled for their faith [9]. It should be done "without grudging" or "murmuring," but with "open-hearted sincerity" [9].
The Epistle of Jude specifically addresses compassion towards those who have strayed or hold different beliefs. Jude 1:22 states, "On some have compassion, making a distinction" [1]. John Gill's commentary on this verse explains that this compassion should be shown to those who have "gone astray, being drawn aside," who are "simple and ignorant," or who "sin through infirmity, and the force of temptation" [7]. This includes those whose "mistakes are in lesser matters of religion" [7]. Showing compassion involves praying for them, instructing them with meekness, and offering brotherly reproofs [7].
Historical accounts also highlight this virtue. Josephus, in Antiquities of the Jews, commends the generosity of a woman who showed compassion to King Saul, even though he had previously condemned her practices. She did not refuse him as a stranger but comforted and exhorted him [6]. This demonstrates that compassion can transcend personal grievances and differences in tradition or belief.
The consistent message across these texts and interpretations is that compassion and kindness are not optional but are integral to the life of faith. They are to be extended broadly, not just within one's own immediate community, but also to those who are different, in need, or even hostile, reflecting God's own merciful character [8, 12].
Sources
- Jude “On some have compassion, making a distinction, -- Jude 1:22”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 4:2 (DRC) — With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in charity.”
- Romans “Romans 12:13 (BSB) — Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
- I Peter “I Peter 4:9 (BSB) — Show hospitality to one another without complaining.”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Hospitality — Hospitality was regarded by most nations of the ancient world as one of the chief virtues. The Jewish laws respecting strangers (Leviticus 19:33,34) and the poor, (Leviticus 23:14) seq. Deuteronomy 15:7 And concerning redemption (Leviticus 25:23) seq., etc. are framed in accordance with the spirit of hospitality. In the law compassion to strangers is constantly enforced by the words "for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." (Leviticus 19:34) And before the law, Abraham's entertainment of the angels, (Genesis 18:1) seq., and Lot's, (Genesis 19:1) are ”
- Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 14, section 4: servants and himself. So Saul came to the camp while it was yet night. 4. Now it is but just to recommend the generosity of this woman, 28 because when the king had forbidden her to use that art whence her circumstances were bettered and improved, and when she had never seen the king before, she still did not remember to his disadvantage that he had condemned her sort of learning, and did not refuse him as a stranger, and one that she had had no acquaintance with; but she had compassion upon him, and comforted him, and exhorted ”
- Jude (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Jude 1:22: And of some have compassion,.... That is, of such who have gone astray, being drawn aside; who are simple and ignorant, and out of the way; who sin through infirmity, and the force of temptation; and who are tractable and open to conviction, and whose mistakes are in lesser matters of religion; as also such who are convicted and wounded in their consciences for their sins and mistakes: and to these compassion is to be shown, by praying with them, and for them, with ardency and affection; instructing them in meekness; giving friendly and brotherly reproofs to them; expre”
- Jeremiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Jeremiah 12:15: 12:15 I will . . . have compassion on all of them: Even other nations, as wicked as they were, could be restored after experiencing disaster.”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 4:9: (Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2.) Not the spurious hospitality which passes current in the world, but the entertaining of those needing it, especially those exiled for the faith, as the representatives of Christ, and all hospitality to whomsoever exercised from genuine Christian love. without grudging--Greek, "murmuring." "He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity," that is open-hearted sincerity; with cordiality. Not secretly speaking against the person whom we entertain, or upbraiding him with the favor we have conferred in him.”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 12:20: 12:20-21 A simple act of Christian kindness can often bring a hostile person to repentance before God and restore fellowship between people.”
- Colossians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Colossians 3:12: The apostle proceeds to exhort to mutual love and compassion: Put on therefore bowels of mercy, Col 3:12. We must not only put off anger and wrath (as Col 3:8), but we must put on compassion and kindness; not only cease to do evil, but learn to do well; not only not do hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. I. The argument here used to enforce the exhortation is very affecting: Put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved. Observe, 1. Those who are holy are the elect of God; and those who are the elect of God, and holy, are beloved - beloved of God, and”
- Leviticus (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Leviticus 23:43: That your generations may know, etc. - By the institution of this feast God had two great objects in view: 1. To perpetuate the wonderful display of his providence and grace in bringing them out of Egypt, and in preserving them in the wilderness. 2. To excite and maintain in them a spirit of gratitude and obedience, by leading them to consider deeply the greatness of the favors which they had received from his most merciful hands. Signal displays of the mercy, kindness, and providential care of God should be particularly remembered. When we recollect that we des”