THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The ancient Revelation also seeks to cultivate kindness and compassion within us, which becomes evident when we consider the words: "Open your heart to your brother who needs you" (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). Additionally, it states: "You shall not oppress a stranger, nor mistreat him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall not wrong widows or orphans. If you do mistreat them and they cry out to Me, I will hear their cry, and My anger will be aroused. I will bring swift destruction upon you, and your wives will become widows and your children orphans. If you lend money to a poor man among My people, you shall not act as a creditor and impose interest upon him.
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If you take your neighbor's garment as a pledge, you must return it to him before sunset, for it is his only covering, his garment of skin. In what will he sleep? Therefore, when he cries out to Me, I will hear, for I am compassionate" (Ex. 22:21-27).
Notice how, following a gentle exhortation to mutual love, He also issues a warning of impending judgment? He offers almost a justification for the wrath that could befall those who neglect to show kindness to their fellow beings. "I am merciful," He declares; this signifies that, being good in His very essence and filled with compassion, He will certainly respond to the pleas of the wronged and will be stirred by the tears of the impoverished. Consequently, it is imperative to address the plight of the less fortunate before their cries reach the heavens.