“You will arise and have compassion on Zion…” – Psalm 102:13, NIV

The terms ‘mercy’ and ‘compassion’ are often mixed up. However, they are different though somehow related.

‘Mercy’ refers to the act of showing leniency or forgiveness towards someone who has done wrong or in a position of vulnerability, by someone who has the power to judge, punish or harm but chooses to withhold that punishment. 

So, ‘mercy’ is often associated with clemency.  

On the other hand, ‘compassion’ is more about empathetic concern for someone’s suffering; it refers to an emotional response where you feel moved by the pain or distress of others and are motivated to help or alleviate the suffering.

In our meditation today, the psalmist prays that God would arise and have compassion on His people by alleviating their suffering and pain.

Compassion is part of God’s character.

Psalm 145:8-9 says; “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.” 

This highlights the fact that God’s compassion is not limited but extends to all of creation.

Psalm 86:15 states, “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” 

This verse emphasizes that God’s compassion is abundant, showcasing His willingness to forgive and support the needy.

“Don’t cry,” says the Lord!

Our Lord Jesus exemplified compassion. Matthew 9:36 says; “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”

Matthew 14:14 adds; “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick.”

Jesus’ compassion “moved” Him to do something about the suffering of His people.

In Luke 7, Jesus encountered a funeral procession where a desperate widow had also lost her only son.

Verse 13 says; “And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her, and said to her, ‘don’t cry.’”

His compassion moved Him to take action by raising her son from the dead.

I may not know you personally or understand the pain you’re going through right now.

But the God of compassion sees you and knows you!

His heart is actively responding to you with compassion because it is part of His character.

And he doesn’t merely feel for you; He is also willing and ready to intervene to alleviate your pain and suffering.

“Don’t cry,” says the Lord!