Isaiah 49:15-16
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.”
INSIGHT
-Compassion in Greek is written as splagchnizomai and in Hebrew hamal. It means to show pity, love, mercy, be sorry, share grace and console. In the Bible we find that compassion is Gods’ nature for He is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness (Exo 34:6). Our hope for the future is also rooted in Gods’ compassion (Isa 49:13 ; Jer 12:15) and His compassion is new each morning (Lam 3:22-23). Gods’ compassion is established in His covenant relationship with us His people (2 Kin 13:23). Through Gods’ compassion our transgressions are washed away (Ps 51:1; Mic 7:19). Gods’ compassion can be thwarted by disobedience (Deu 13:17; 2 Chr 30:9). Christians are called to share mercy and compassion with one another (Col 3:12). Compassion is a mother’s attitude toward her son (1 Kin 3:26) or a princess’ reaction to an abandoned child (Exo 2:6). The nature of Gods’ compassion is also seen through Jesus’ ministry for He has pity on the multitudes (Mt 11:28-30). His love extends to the helpless (Mat 9:36), the sick (Mat 14:14), hungry (Mk 8:2 ), and the blind (Mat 20:34) etc.
-God compares His love for us with that of a mother to her child. He reveals that even though a woman may forget her child, He cannot forget us. God has inscribed us on the palms of His hands and we will always be before Him. He gives us comfort and calls us to be strong and courageous for He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deu 31:6).
PRAYER
Lord You are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness. How great is Your name in all the earth. Look at us with compassion dear Jesus and direct us in the way we should go. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness and remove all evil from our hearts, we humbly ask You Lord. Remember with mercy Lord all those who are sick and suffering, dying because of drought, hunger and other causes, those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones, those who are homeless, hopeless, unemployed, all those who are unmarried, those who are married, all priests and pastors, our children, our universities and all students, all government institutions and our leaders, our work and businesses, our nations economic, social, political and security needs, and the entire world. Give us Father fresh revelation each morning Holy Spirit and reveal to us the hidden treasures on Your kingdom. Grant us the dew of heaven, the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine, according to Your merciful love Lord. How great is Your compassion and mercy for us Lord our God, we are in awe of You. We place our hopes and trust in You Lord, great is Your faithfulness. Thank You Father for the graces that You continue to show us everyday, be exulted forever and ever. Amen
Zechariah 7:9-10
“Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Execute true justice, Show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, The alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother.’”
INSIGHT
-The Lord spoke to prophet Zachariah instructing the people to show mercy and compassion, one for another. Demonstrating love to the widows and fatherless, the aliens and the poor. With the same knowledge that the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. The Lord searches the heart and tests the mind, to give every man according to his ways (Jer 17:9-10). God calls us to show love to our brothers and sisters, to be tender-hearted and courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling. But to declare a blessing, knowing that we were called to do this, that you may also inherit a blessing (1 Pet3:8-9). To show love and mercy to the less fortunate through giving, prayer and acts of grace.
PRAYER
Lord You are compassionate and full of love, transform our thoughts and hearts to be unto thine; we humbly beseech You. Wash us with Your precious blood and give us hearts of flesh that we may always seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. You are a husband to the widows and a Father to the fatherless, have mercy on us dear Father. Be with all the poor and those who are aliens to Your kingdom that You may grant them the gift of salvation. We thank You for the gift of our children, may You bless them and protect them always. We praise You for all those who have just completed their exams, thank You for granted them good success loving Jesus. We humbly ask You to journey with them through the next stage in life. Fill us with Your love Holy Spirit and guide us in acts of compassion and love. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and forevermore. Amen
Lamentations 3:22-25
“Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassion’s 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.”
INSIGHT
-Compassion in Hebrew is written as chamal and is derived into other Hebrew words meaning to show pity, love, mercy, be sorry, share grace, console etc. It is the human nature that ignites love for others and showing them acts of kindness and mercy. In the Bible we find that God’s compassion is freely given to us (Exo 33:19; Rom 9:15). Compassion is tenderly given like a mother (Isa 49:15 ) or father (Hos 11:8) to a child. Gods’ compassion is rooted in His covenant relationship with his people (2 Kin 13:23). Hope for the future stem from Gods’ compassion (Isa 49:13; Jer 12:15). Through Gods’ compassion our transgressions are washed away (Ps 51:1 ; Mic 7:19). Gods’ compassion can be thwarted by disobedience (Deu 13:17; 2 Chr 30:9). Compassion is a mother’s attitude toward her son (1 Kin 3:26) or a princess’s reaction to Moses an abandoned child (Exo 2:6). Jesus has great compassion for His people (Mat 9:36; Mk 6:34), His love extends to the helpless (Mat 9:36), the sick (Mat 14:14), hungry (Mk 8:2 ), and the blind (Mat 20:34). The father had compassion on his prodigal son (Lk 15:20). Christians are called to share mercy and compassion with others (Col 3:12).
-Yahweh’s compassion’s are new each morning and they never fail. Through the bitter passions of Christ we are liberated to the Father through His great love. Jesus remains at the centre of our lives. The riches of His mercies and compassion are rooted in His everlasting covenant with us by shedding His blood for all mankind.
PRAYER
Great is Your compassion and mercy for us Lord our God, we are in awe of You. Forgive us our sins our sins and cover us with Your precious blood Jesus. Your mercies are new each morning Jesus, have mercy on us, our families, friends, leaders, nation, all the homeless, hopeless, the sick and suffering, those who are dying of drought and hunger, all the unmarried, those who are married, the priests and pastors, all our children, students, our universities and all government institutions, our work and businesses, our nations financial, economic, social, political, religious and security needs, and on the whole world. We place our hopes and trust in You Lord, great is Your faithfulness. Thank You King of glory for the graces that You continue to show us, be exulted on high; forever and ever. Amen
Psalms 86:15
“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Long-suffering and abundant in mercy and truth.”
INSIGHT
-God is sovereign, full of compassion and love. He never lets us His people go, he cares about us just as the shepherd cares about his flock. Like the shepherd is concerned about that one sheep that goes missing and leaves all the rest to search for it, that is how our Lord Jesus is concerned about us individually. He loves you, just as the father who loved the prodigal son and showed him great mercy and compassion and welcomed him back home. He will never let us go astray nor ever forsake us. We are called to put our trust in Him and allow Him to guide and direct our steps. He is gracious and long suffering, slow to anger and abundant in mercy and truth. He will always make our paths straight and order our steps.
PRAYER
God You are good and Your mercies endures forever, we honor You and glorify Your holy name. You are full of compassion and gracious. Long-suffering and abundant in mercy and truth, have mercy on us Jesus. We have seen You in all things; how excellent is Your name in all the earth. You are Omnipotent, Omniscience and Omnipresent, thank You for taking care of us each day. You have protected us, provided for us, guided our steps, healed our wounds, enriched us with Your word and given us all things freely according to Your merciful love. We praise You and magnify Your holy name. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords, our Almighty Father, our Christ, our Christ the King, our Savior, all glory and praise belong to You. Amen
Matthew 25:37-40
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
INSIGHT
-God is compassionate and full of mercy and calls us to demonstrate the same qualities to the least of His brethren. God has created us in His own image and likeness and we are all equal before Him. Righteousness is revealed through acts of compassion and sacrifice. Like Jesus sacrificed His life for the sake of the whole world, we too are called to sacrifice our resources, time and wisdom for the sake of others. By feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, housing the stranded and visiting the prisoners; we demonstrate love for God and our neighbors. These acts also display poverty in spirit and the kingdom of heaven is given to us (Mat 5:3). Jesus had compassion on the multitudes, He healed the sick and fed the five thousand (Mat 14:13-21). We are called to have faith in God and since the just shall live by faith, we shall receive an eternal reward for us according to the riches of His glory.
PRAYER
We worship You Holy Spirit for You are good and Your mercies endures forever. Give us hearts of compassion so that we may give to the least of Your brethren. You created us all in Your image and likeness Lord and we are equal before You, help us to love our neighbours as ourselves. Provide for us the resources and wisdom dear Lord to do these acts of grace as each one of us is called. May we decrease and may You increase Father for the glory of Your name. You are holy Lord, make us righteous by the washing of Your precious blood and increase our faith in You. All glory, power, wealth, adoration, riches and wisdom belong to You Lord, now and forever. Amen
Matthew 20:34
“So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.”
INSIGHT
-As Jesus came from Jericho, He passed by two blind men who were seated by the road side. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they knew it was their best chance for restoration. Despite the rebukes that came from the multitudes that they may be silent, they kept shouting for Gods mercy. The multitudes were not concerned about the affairs of the blind men but exhibited spiritual blindness and coldness of their hearts. Jesus had compassion on the blind men and restored their sight. Like the blind men were determined to receive from Jesus, we too are called to persevere in prayer until our situations change. As the two men demonstrated faith in God, we are reminded to hold fast faith in God despite our shortcomings knowing that only He can give us total peace.
SUMMARY
Compassion is the nature of God for He is compassionate and love, abundant in mercy and kindness. His mercy is everlasting and He shows great love to us His children. God calls us to love one another and always show compassion to our brothers and sister. To offer clothes to the naked, give food to the hungry, provide accommodation to strangers and to visit the prisoners. Through such acts of kindness, we fulfill the law of love which is an account for righteousness, as we await for the final glory with Him. This is a call to be free from ourselves and to sacrifice our resources, time and knowledge with others just like He gave Himself for us and continues to graciously provide for our every need. To take up our crosses and serve the least of His brethren just as the Son of man did not come to be served; but to serve. Compassion is granted by the Holy Spirit and we should always remember to ask from Him who gives without partiality.
PRAYER
Thank You Father for making us see this day in good health, Your mercies are new each morning. Thank You for loving us Jesus. Open the eyes of our hearts that we may see You each day. Be our vision and open both our physical and spiritual eyes that Your truth may always be our light. Touch all those who have eye problems dear Jesus and heal them for by Your stripes we were healed. Reveal Yourself Lord to all our dear brothers and sisters that do not know You, that they may perceive and come to You for You are our salvation. Bless us Lord and increase us, make Your face shine upon and be gracious to us. Lift up Your countenance upon us and grant us peace. You have shown us great compassion Holy Spirit, we thank You and glorify Your holy name, now and forever. Amen
Exodus 2:6
“And when she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.”
INSIGHT
-Pharaoh’s daughter was moved with compassion for baby Moses who was strategically placed by the river bank. Though he was a Hebrew boy, it did not matter to Pharaohs daughter. Moses was accepted into the family of Pharaoh and was crowed prince during his stay in the palace. This is the kind of love and compassion that Jesus calls us to hold onto as Christians; love for Him, our neighbors and our potential enemies. Cornelius the centurion also displayed acts of compassion to his fellow men for he gave alms generously and prayed always. It then came a time when an angel came to him in a vision saying “Cornelius your prayers and alms have come up for a memorial before the Lord” (Acts 10:1-4). It is not in vain to share love, advice, food, shelter, clothing and propagate other acts of compassion to those who need our help. It is an act of godliness which we are all called to uphold though Christ who dwells in our hearts. In Proverbs 19:17; we are told that “He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.” God is a righteous judge and His word will never be thwarted. It is also important to always remember that we not any better than those who are homeless, those who are sick in hospital, those who died in the ET 702 plane crash, those who sleep hungry or dying of starvation in Baringo and Turkana etc, but it is only through the grace of God that has been freely given to us and by His tender mercies that He Has gotten us where we are now. Pharaoh’s daughter did not consider herself more special that Moses the desolate child at the wake of looming death; but took him as her own son. We are therefore called to give thanks to the Lord and rejoice in Him always for He is good and His mercy endures forever.
PRAYER
Lord You are good and Your mercy endures forever. We give thanks to You Lord, for You are good and Your mercy endures forever. For You alone does great wonders, for Your mercy endures forever. For You alone by Your wisdom made the heavens, the earth and all that is in them, for Your mercy endures forever. Thank You Abba Father for this far that You have brought us; for Your mercy endures forever. It is not by our power nor our might but by Your Spirit Lord. There is nothing we can offer You Lord to reciprocate Your tender mercies. We thank You and praise Your name Jesus; for Your mercies endures forever. Remember merciful Father all those who are sick and suffering in hospital and at home, all those who are dying of poverty and hunger, all those who are hopeless; homeless and frustrated in life, all those who suffer stress and depression; and all of us in our various shortcomings that You may heal all our wounds according to Your merciful love; and shepherd us in all things; for Your mercy endures forever. Teach us Lord how to pray, how to fast, how to give alms, how to love You, our neighbours and our potential enemies; for the glory of Your name Jesus. Lord You are good and Your mercy endures forever. Amen
2 Chronicles 30:9
“For if you return to the LORD, your brethren and your children will be treated with compassion by those who lead them captive, so that they may come back to this land; for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him.”
INSIGHT
-King Hezekiah kept the Passover during his reign and welcomed all Israel to remain faithful to God despite the oppression they were facing. He implored them to turn away from the carnality of their minds, their stiff neck tendencies, their obstinacy and inaptness, and be compelled to Gods’ will; so that they may obtain favor before God and men. On this same wavelength; we are reminded to turn to God through prayer and repentance holding fast humility and love; doing good according to His will, and bringing others to Him. God is rich in mercy and great in love, and has promised to have compassion on us, to subdue our iniquities and cast all our sins into the depths of the sea (Mic 7:19). God has bestowed upon us the gift of salvation that we may always yield ourselves unto Him and remain in His grace.
PRAYER
Lord You are full of compassion and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in mercy and truth, slow to anger and great in mercy, have mercy on us Jesus. Blot out our transgressions Lord, cast all our sins into the depth of the sea and cleanse us with Your precious blood. Give us the grace to be reconciled with those who offend us Father and show us the glory of Your salvation. Help us Holy Spirit to always be inclined to Your will through our words, actions, reactions and interactions so that we may bring many into Your kingdom as You have instructed us. May Your favor always be present upon us, our families, friends, businesses, work, leaders and nation so that we may prosper in all good things according to the riches of Your glory. Amen
1 Peter 3:8-12
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For “He who would love life and see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.”
INSIGHT
-The Lord reminds us to love one another, to be of the same mind; the mind of Christ by showing compassion, courtesy, tenderness and love. He has commanded us to love Him with all our hearts, souls and minds, and our neighbors as ourselves; and shun from all evil. Gods’ eyes are on those who seek His righteousness and He hears their prayers but is against evil doers. He corrects those who He loves; so that He May dwell richly in our hearts. God calls us to do good to others as it would be pleasing if the same would be done to us; seeking true peace. To do good always and not return evil for evil but share in Gods’ love and blessings. To speak the truth always and edify others with our tongues. God is gracious, full of compassion and righteousness and reminds us to remain in His light (Ps 112:4).
PRAYER
You are full of kindness Father, tender in mercy, everlasting in love, we bless Your holy name. You have promised never to leave us nor forsake us Jesus, have mercy on us and shepherd us in all things. Fill us Holy Spirit with Your fruit and gifts that we may share in Your love, tenderness, courtesy and blessings according to Your divine purposes. Our Father who at in heaven; hallowed be Your name; Your Kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread & forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptations but deliver us from evil; for thine is the Kingdom the power & the glory; forever & ever. Amen
Luke 15:20
“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”
INSIGHT
-The parable of the prodigal son presents the compassion of a father to a lost son. When the young man came to his senses, he repented saying “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” A reflection of humility in repentance leading to reconciliation with the Father. The father; proud of his son who was dead to sin was made alive and was lost in the world and was found in the kingdom of God; and clothed in a robe, ring and sandals affirming his sonship. A fattened calf was also slaughtered for celebration; a reflection of rejoicing in heaven among the angels when one sinner comes to repentance. Through this parable we are reminded that we are children of God through Christ and should always remain steadfast through faith in Him which yields righteousness and eternal life.
SUMMARY
Compassion is Gods’ nature and through His unending love enhances our relationships with Him through reconciliation and faith. Jesus has shown us good examples of compassion and love for His people. For instance; Jesus showed compassion on the multitudes who had not eaten for three days (Mat 15:32), He healed many who were sick (Mat 14:14), He healed the two blind men when He was coming from Jericho; out of compassion (Mat 20:34) and taught the multitudes who were like sheep without a shepherd (Mk 6:34). Compassion is in our human nature that ignites love for others and acts of kindness and mercy. Compassion is a form of love and is aroused within us when we are confronted with those who suffer or are vulnerable. Compassion often produces action to alleviate suffering for it is a unique Christian response to edify the vulnerable. Though pride and self righteousness excludes us from mercy but humility and repentance brings us to the Father. It is only through Gods’ grace that we are able to perform acts of compassion, overcome temptations, remain steadfast in His will and embrace His Kingdom principles as He directs us. As we learn these principles; we are able to unlearn them through our thoughts, words and deeds, as we emulate the Father. Through this; we are called to forgive those who offend us as the Father forgives us, to show compassion to the poor and needy as the Father is full of compassion and kindness, to treat others as we would like them to treat us, to love one another as we love ourselves and to take our place of dominion that we may occupy until Christ comes back.
PRAYER
Thank You Jesus for Your great compassion and mercy upon us, we praise You and exult You forever. Father, we have sinned against heaven and against You, we are no longer worthy to be called your children, have mercy on us and cover us with Your precious blood. Grant us grace and hearts full of compassion Lord that we may love You always and share in Your love and mercy through our thoughts, words and deeds. Guide us Father in works of charity and spreading Your good news as You have called each one of us. Thank You Father for making us Your children; increase our faith in You. Be exulted Jesus; now and forever. Amen