The Amazing Compassion of God

by Darrell C. Porter

Compassion is sympathy for one who is in pain or trouble. It bears a desire, even longing, to alleviate that pain and bring comfort to that need. Wherever compassion resides critical judgment is laid aside. For all that matters at that moment is the need of that person. Not what they did or didn’t do but what they so desperately need right now to be relieved of their distress.

Zooming in on Jesus the Bible reveals that He was moved with compassion on the multitudes and healed them. At times He just blanked the entire crowd and healed them all.

“And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.” (Lu 6:19)

It was as if His very Nature surrounded the down-and-out. So much so did His heart go out to the sick and distressed that not for a moment did He stop to ask, or even consider, why they were in that condition. All He desired was to restore and lift them up.

Eyeing His example we also learn to have compassion toward others. We understand that it pleases God for us to do so.  For the LORD Himself is compassionate to us.

Throughout the world Christians have been regarded for their Godly compassion toward others. It’s this love that has won many into the welcoming arms of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Wide open for all to see is God’s amazing compassion around the world that saved multitudes, “out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (Rev. 5:9b)  Commonly known is that Scripture, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” (Jn.3:16) 

Jutting forth like high mountain peaks are the two words, “so loved.”  They bellow out God’s longing for those held hopelessly in the prison of sin, and doomed to its dire and everlasting consequences. So great was His compassion that He did not pause for critical judgment of our depravity. Rather He rose up to rescue and lift us up from our fallen condition.  By this grace – the Savior’s compassion – are we saved. (Eph. 2:8)

By His affection towards us are we able to gain the tender ear of God when we come to Him in prayer. His heart is not closed because of our condition. For it is our condition that so requires Him.  Therefore neither our foolishness, trouble nor pain will not stop Him from responding to our need, as we reach out to Him in faith and prayer.

It’s our heart-felt prayers that draw upon the willing compassion of God our Savior. It’s His good pleasure to give it.  Moreover, He takes “pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” (Ps. 35:27)

For as your heart and soul would “draw nigh to God… he will draw nigh to you.” (Jas 4:8)  How wonderful is this grace that’s freely granted to every believer in Jesus Christ.

How amazing is His compassion. How holy His very Name.