“Like as a father pities his children, so the LORD pities them that fear him.” – Psalm 103:13

Compassion is one of the most powerful emotions, indeed one of those that Mother Nature uses to ensure survival.

Most animals – from chickens to lions – would actively identify and respond to the cry of their offspring, even when it is in the midst of a cacophony of numerous baby noises. 

In humans, compassion for offspring may last for a life time; I mean even when a son is an adult with his own family, his pain would still evoke intense compassion in the heart of a true parent.

I think this is one of the traits that have made humans the most successful species on the planet.

The Bible has a way of attributing human traits to God. The theologians refer to this as ‘anthropomorphism.’

For example, Exodus 34:6 anthropomorphically makes God an emotional being when it says that “He is compassionate, merciful and gracious.” 

The fact that emotion is part of our God’s character is easy to see throughout the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation.

This trait is one of those that make our God unique from all the other gods that are worshipped.

In our meditation verse today, God’s compassion is compared to that of a good father, who will feel distress when a son or daughter is in pain.

And when a good father sees his son in trouble, he just doesn’t feel compassion in his heart; he does something to alleviate the suffering. 

Similarly, throughout the Gospels, Christ is portrayed as showing compassion towards people including individual sufferers.

Christ had to become like us – “fully human in every way” – in order that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest

The reason Jesus came was to show us that the Creator of the vast universe can still reach out to a desperate poor widow with compassion.  Isn’t that amazing?

Our Lord Jesus did carry all the pain of the whole world – far much more pain than any of us could ever have bear.

He had to become like us – “fully human in every way” – in order that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest and because He himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. See Hebrews 2:17-18, NIV.

Oftentimes when a child comes over to show us a painful little finger, what they really need might not be necessarily medicine to treat it.

Just hearing a simple compassionate “Oh, sorry darling” is sufficient and off they go to play again.

Our Father in heaven does give us that as well – understanding and a sympathetic, listening ear.

A good father also feels pity when he sees his son straying from the right path and seeking to have his own way.

Like every parent would feel pain, it hurts God’s heart when we bring trouble upon ourselves because we refused to walk in His ways.

Then His compassionate heart waits patiently for us be drawn back to the right path.

Today, the Father wants you to have the assurance that He cares for you and that He understands what you’re going through. Yes, He does brother/sister.

He feels our pain and He’s doing something about it.  Yes, He is; you’re not on your own.  

You’re pitied, no other person is better at feeling pity for you than our Father in heaven.

Prayer:

Almighty Father, I believe that You are merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth! Help me to know Your compassionate heart that I may heal from all hurts. For the glory of your name, Amen!