Heart of the Father: A Devotional From Ryan EllisSample

Scripture:

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Devotional:

Second Corinthians is a great picture of what the heart of the Father is like. I have had my fair share of experiences when one of my kids gets a scratch and comes running to me in tears. While I could get upset with them for letting a little scratch make them cry -- I always choose to make sure they are okay. I want to extend compassion to my kids just like the Father extends compassion to me. I want them to feel known and meet them in their emotions. 

Often we think of God as someone judgemental and who is ready to throw the hammer down when we do something wrong. Instead, God chooses to meet us with compassion when we are in trouble or wrapped in our emotions. Whether that is grief, worry, anger, or heartache -- He does not ask us to forget about our troubles. He meets us in them with an abundance of love. 

Just as God does this for us, verse four tells us to go forth and do this for others. By approaching others with the same loving heart, we are asked to meet people where they are at. If we want to truly embody the love of Jesus and reflect the heart of the Father, we are to walk hand in hand with our neighbors. When times get rough, we are to show them compassion and meet them with unconditional love. 

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your compassionate heart that meets me where I am. In my troubles, you choose to embrace me in your arms. May I carry this posture forward to those around me, extending love and compassion wherever I can.