“God’s love comforts you, so your love can generously comfort others.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 26, 2024
As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:13-14
How does a loving father show compassion for his children? One way compassion is extended is patience in a child’s understanding. Everything is new for a child, with very little life experience and context for making the best choices. So, patience in training and educating a child in the instruction of the Lord, which leads to wise living, is an ongoing exercise in compassionate care. Patience, the fruit of love, is able to take the time to repeat words already spoken in a way that can be remembered and applied, much like the patient compassion Jesus had with the slow-to-learn disciples. He refrained from shame and instead reminded and restored their confidence. Like a compassionate father, God is not angry at a child’s ignorance. He takes pity to lead His child by His Spirit into a clearer understanding of Scripture and to receive His life-giving love.
In addition, a compassionate father extends mercy and forgiveness as he endures a wayward child’s foolish choices. The home is a laboratory of love for disobedient, strong-willed children. A father loves well when he is patient with his child’s impatience. A child tends to have no emotional filter and can react with a surge of anger like fierce ocean waves crashing against an undeserving shore. Lack of understanding and experience require extra grace and mercy to take the time to explain the reason for having to wait on a fun outing so another child can complete their chores or activity. A wise father might even suggest serving a sibling with joy so everyone can be ready to enjoy a family excursion sooner rather than later. Also, a compassionate father is always on the lookout to model divine obedience to a child who is just learning what it means to truly love the Lord and obey God. In a similar way, Jesus was kind to the disciples’ unbelief; a father’s kindness helps lead a child to repentance and faith. Compassion is a conduit to love God.
“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”… He [Jesus] said to them [the disciples], “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:38, 40).
Most of all, draw encouragement from your heavenly Father’s compassion for you. Just as Jesus generously healed and brought comfort to the ailing and brokenhearted, so He is always available to strengthen your weary soul and mend your broken body. God’s comfort stands as a tangible expression of His generous compassion. As Paul reminds us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). This divine solace serves as a source of strength, reinforcing the notion of a caring Father who consoles His children in times of distress.
God’s generous grace is another expression of his compassion in salvation and in providing ongoing energy to live out your faith. God’s unmerited favor, bestowed upon your life, reflects His compassion in offering salvation despite your shortcomings and sanctification from the Holy Spirit’s indwelling power at work in and through you. The Lord is your compassionate Shepherd, symbolizing divine care and direction in navigating life’s complexities. Through these practical avenues, your compassionate heavenly Father is intimately involved in the well-being of you, His beloved, cherished child. His love comforts you so your love can generously comfort others.
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:22-24).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you for your generous compassion, always available for me to come to you to heal my pain and celebrate my joy through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Application
What loved one needs your generous compassion to forgive and start the healing process?
Related Reading
Psalm 86:15, 145:9; Romans 9:15; Philippians 2:1-3
Spurgeon sermon- Our Heavenly Father’s Pity, Spurgeon sermon- The Tender Pity of the Lord
Worship Resource
Alisa Turner: My Prayer for You
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