One of the things that significantly defined Christ’s ministry was His compassion.
In fact, several times the Bible records how He was literally moved with compassion, and healing was often the result.
For example, Matthew 14:14 says,
And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
Compassion moved and motivated our Lord to heal the multitudes. We also read of His compassion in Mark 1:40–42.
Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.
So both with multitudes and individuals, Christ was moved with compassion, and it brought healing.
Hebrews 13:8 tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” He is the same compassionate, merciful Savior as when He walked the shores of the Sea of Galilee and brought healing to individuals and multitudes.
Yes, He has that same compassion for you today! Psalm 145:8–9 says,
The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.
What a declaration about our loving God! He is gracious, meaning He is disposed to show favors. He is full of compassion. And when you are full of something, it overflows.
Imagine the entire Pacific Ocean cradled above the clouds—the sheer weight of it looking for any crack or crevice through which it can pour its ocean tides over the earth below. That might give you a glimpse of what God’s compassion is like, as He desires to pour it out in your life.
Psalm 147:11 declares,
The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.
God is pleased when you cry out to Him for mercy. He is not going to say, “Oh, it’s you again! How many times is this? When will you ever learn?”
No, our God is merciful. His compassions fail not. What a Savior! Some might say, “Bayless, I feel like you are just trying to get my hopes up.”
Yes, I am! Guilty as charged! Because God delights in those who hope in His mercy. And faith gives substance to things hoped for. So if you don’t have hope, then faith has nothing to give substance to.
I am trying to get your hopes up. I am trying to get you to believe and look to the mercy and compassion of God in your life.
Lamentations 3:22–26 tells us:
Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the LORD.
It is good for us to hope, wait, and seek Him while expecting God’s merciful help. He understands your struggles. He knows what you are going through and He cares.
Hebrews 4:15 (BBE) says,
For we have not a high priest who is not able to be touched by the feelings of our feeble flesh; but we have one who has been tested in all points as we ourselves are tested, but without sin.
Look to Him today. Hope in His mercy.
