40 Days in the Word - Power of the Word Sample

Theme | I Have Compassion For You

From | Mathew Green

Verses | Psalm 116:5-6, 1 Peter 5:7, Lamentations 3:22-23

Our God is compassionate. In today’s Scriptures, we see the breadth and depth of God’s compassion towards us and His longing to protect His children. Theologian W.L. Walker defines compassion as follows:

"The God of the New Testament, the Father of men, is most clearly revealed as ‘a God full of compassion.’ It extends to the whole human race, for which He effected not merely a temporal, but a spiritual and eternal, deliverance, giving up His own Son to the death of the cross in order to save us from the worst bondage of sin…Therefore all who know the God and Father of Christ, and who call themselves His children, must necessarily cultivate compassion and show mercy, ‘even as He is merciful.’ Christianity may be said to be distinctively the religion of Compassion.”

I remember that it wasn’t clever arguments or reason that led me to Jesus, it was when I experienced His love and His compassion. I wasn’t born into a Christian family and neither was my wife - we are first-generation Christians. I encountered the kindness and compassion of Jesus in high school when someone invited me to a Bible study. To be honest, I had resisted anything to do with faith for many years and I didn't want anything to do with God, as I believed He was judgemental - I was so wrong.

We serve a God who “...is gracious and righteous; full of compassion and who protects the unwary” Psalm 116:5-6 (NIV). In this powerful verse in Psalms, we see gratitude for the Lord's grace, righteousness, and compassion. It acknowledges God's protection, especially in times of vulnerability and distress, giving thanks. We also see the compassion of God again in 1 Peter 5:7 in which Peter encourages believers to entrust their worries and anxieties to God, emphasising that God cares for them. It reflects the idea of finding comfort and solace in God's care, knowing that believers can rely on Him in times of distress. I have felt the presence of God countless times in my life. Once again, in Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) we see the steadfast love and compassion of the Lord. Despite challenges and hardships, we can find hope and reassurance in His unfailing love. The imagery of God's compassion being new every morning emphasises the continual and reliable nature of God's faithfulness.

Prayer | Dear God, thank You for the compassion that You showed me when You sent Your Son to die for my sins. Thank You for the kindness, compassion and grace that You demonstrate to me each day. I am so grateful. I pray that You will help me show Your compassion and kindness to others today. Amen.