No.255 - The Compassionate Heart of God

The Compassion of God’s Heart"*

The Compassionate Heart of God

Psalm 86:15

"But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness."

Starting Prayer

Lord, as I meditate on Your Word today, grant me insight into the compassion of Your heart. Help me understand Your mercy, grace, and steadfast love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Background

Psalm 86 is a heartfelt prayer of David, expressing his dependence on God and praising His mercy and faithfulness. In verse 15, David acknowledges the compassionate nature of God, describing Him as merciful, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Today's title marks the beginning of this week's theme, focusing on the compassionate heart of God as revealed in Scripture.

Be Encouraged

God's compassion is a central theme throughout the Bible, demonstrating His unfailing love for His people. His mercy and grace are not based on our deservingness but on His character. Just as a loving father shows patience and kindness to his children, so God extends His compassion to us, giving us opportunities to repent and turn back to Him.

Understanding God's compassion should lead us to reflect it in our lives. We can show compassion to others by being patient, forgiving, and understanding. When we encounter those who are hurting or in need, we can extend a helping hand, offer words of encouragement, or simply lend a listening ear. By imitating God's compassion, we reflect His love to the world around us.

Additional Verses

- Lamentations 3:22-23: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

- Psalm 103:8: "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."

Invitation

As you embrace His love, may you also extend compassion to others, reflecting the heart of God in your life. If you have not yet given you life to Christ, you can do so by obeying His Gospel. I invite you to experience the compassion of God by responding to His gospel. Through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38), you can receive His mercy and grace. 

Concluding Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for revealing Your compassionate heart to me through Your Word. Help me to live in the light of Your mercy and grace, showing compassion to others as You have shown to me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

Theodore J. Quist

Evangelist

Church of Christ

Abokobi - Accra

Ghana

 

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