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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Compassion for the Vulnerable</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/c/compassion_for_the_vulnerable.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/deuteronomy/10-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/c/compassion.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Compassion for the Vulnerable</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/c/compassion_for_the_suffering.htm" title="Compassion for the Suffering">◄</a> Compassion for the Vulnerable <a href="/topical/c/compassion_for_the_weak.htm" title="Compassion for the Weak">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Compassion for the vulnerable is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing God's concern for those who are marginalized, oppressed, or in need. This divine attribute is not only a reflection of God's character but also a mandate for His followers to emulate.<br><br><b>Old Testament Foundations</b><br><br>The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for understanding God's heart for the vulnerable. In <a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Deuteronomy 10:18</a>, it is written, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." This verse highlights God's active role in providing for those who are often overlooked by society. The Law given to Israel includes numerous provisions for the care of the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners (<a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Exodus 22:21-24</a>; <a href="/leviticus/19-9.htm">Leviticus 19:9-10</a>).<br><br>The prophets also echo this call to compassion. <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a> urges, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." The prophet Micah summarizes what God requires of His people: "to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God" (<a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>).<br><br><b>New Testament Teachings</b><br><br>In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies and teaches compassion for the vulnerable. In <a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a>, Jesus identifies Himself with the needy, saying, "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in." This passage underscores the importance of serving those in need as a direct service to Christ Himself.<br><br>The parable of the Good Samaritan (<a href="/luke/10-25.htm">Luke 10:25-37</a>) further illustrates the call to love and care for one's neighbor, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries. The Samaritan's actions demonstrate that true compassion transcends cultural prejudices and societal norms.<br><br>The early church continued this legacy of compassion. <a href="/acts/4-34.htm">Acts 4:34-35</a> describes how the believers shared their possessions so that "there was no needy one among them." The apostle James emphasizes that true religion involves caring for the vulnerable: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and undefiled is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world" (<a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a>).<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>Compassion for the vulnerable is not merely a social or ethical obligation but a theological imperative rooted in the nature of God Himself. God's compassion is an expression of His love and justice, and He calls His people to reflect these attributes in their lives. The biblical mandate to care for the vulnerable challenges believers to live out their faith in practical ways, demonstrating the love of Christ to a hurting world.<br><br><b>Practical Application</b><br><br>Believers are called to actively engage in acts of compassion, whether through personal involvement, community initiatives, or supporting organizations that serve the vulnerable. This includes providing for physical needs, advocating for justice, and offering spiritual support. The church is to be a refuge for those in need, embodying the love and mercy of Christ in tangible ways.<br><br>In summary, compassion for the vulnerable is a central biblical theme that calls believers to reflect God's heart through acts of love, justice, and mercy. The Scriptures provide a clear and compelling vision for how God's people are to engage with and care for those who are most in need.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/compassion.htm">Compassion</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--christ_set_an_example_of.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Christ Set an Example of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--david.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: David</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--elijah.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Elijah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--exercise_towards--enemies.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: Enemies</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--exercise_towards--saints.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: Saints</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--exercise_towards--the_afflicted.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Afflicted</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--exercise_towards--the_chastened.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Chastened</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--exercise_towards--the_poor.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Poor</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--exercise_towards--the_weak.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Weak</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--exhortation_to.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Exhortation To</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--illustrated.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Illustrated</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--inseparable_from_love_to_god.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Inseparable from Love to God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--jews.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Jews</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--job.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Job</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--job's_friends.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Job's Friends</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--motives_to_the_compassion_of_god.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Motives to The Compassion of God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--motives_to_the_sense_of_our_infirmities.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Motives to The Sense of Our Infirmities</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--nehemiah.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Nehemiah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--paul.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Paul</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--pharaoh's_daughter.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Pharaoh's Daughter</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--promise_to_those_who_show.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Promise to Those Who Show</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--shobi.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: Shobi</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/c/compassion_and_sympathy--the_wicked_made_to_feel,_for_saints.htm">Compassion and Sympathy: The Wicked Made to Feel, for Saints</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--an_encouragement_to_prayer.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: An Encouragement to Prayer</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--manifested_for_the--afflicted.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Afflicted</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--manifested_for_the--diseased.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Diseased</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--manifested_for_the--perishing_sinners.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Perishing Sinners</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--manifested_for_the--poor.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Poor</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--manifested_for_the--tempted.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Tempted</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--manifested_for_the--weak_in_faith.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Weak in Faith</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--manifested_for_the--weary_and_heavy-laden.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Weary and Heavy-Laden</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_compassion_and_sympathy_of_christ--necessary_to_his_priestly_office.htm">The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Necessary to his Priestly office</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lord'the.htm">Lord'the (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/is'the.htm">Is'the (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/the.htm">The (669438 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/oak-the.htm">Oak-the (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/saying'the.htm">Saying'the (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jok'the-el.htm">Jok'the-el (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/the-oph'ilus.htm">The-oph'ilus (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/the-not-beloved.htm">The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/ko'hathites.htm">Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kohathite.htm">Kohathite (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kir'iath-je'arim.htm">Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zin.htm">Zin (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zarephath.htm">Zarephath (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kirjathjearim.htm">Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vintage.htm">Vintage (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kore.htm">Kore (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/knives.htm">Knives (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zidonians.htm">Zidonians (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kareah.htm">Kareah (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vegetation.htm">Vegetation (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kanah.htm">Kanah (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vine-dressers.htm">Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vicinity.htm">Vicinity (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zeboim.htm">Zeboim (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kadeshbarnea.htm">Kadeshbarnea (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kare'ah.htm">Kare'ah (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/volition.htm">Volition</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kol.htm">Kol</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kirjath-jearim.htm">Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vashti.htm">Vashti (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zabdi.htm">Zabdi (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/knitted.htm">Knitted (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kids.htm">Kids (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/killeth.htm">Killeth (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vial.htm">Vial (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zelophehad.htm">Zelophehad (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/home-born.htm">Home-born (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kingship.htm">Kingship (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kadesh-barnea.htm">Kadesh-barnea (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zealot.htm">Zealot (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kibroth-hattaavah.htm">Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kibrothhattaavah.htm">Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/victorious.htm">Victorious (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zacchaeus.htm">Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zenas.htm">Zenas (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kneel.htm">Kneel (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zachariah.htm">Zachariah (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kebar.htm">Kebar (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kerethites.htm">Kerethites (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zeeb.htm">Zeeb (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zoheleth.htm">Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zarethan.htm">Zarethan (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kinnereth.htm">Kinnereth (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/knowledge.htm">Knowledge</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/knelt.htm">Knelt (20 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/visible.htm">Visible (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zeus.htm">Zeus (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/ziph.htm">Ziph (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zebadiah.htm">Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zorah.htm">Zorah (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kenite.htm">Kenite (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kick.htm">Kick (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kedar.htm">Kedar (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zichri.htm">Zichri (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/ko'rahites.htm">Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zeru'iah.htm">Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kei'lah.htm">Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/num/24000.htm">24000 (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vapor.htm">Vapor (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vanished.htm">Vanished (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/verdict.htm">Verdict (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/violated.htm">Violated (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/knop.htm">Knop (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/visiting.htm">Visiting (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zaphon.htm">Zaphon (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zephani'ah.htm">Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zaccur.htm">Zaccur (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/koz.htm">Koz (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p 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