Grace and Compassion

Psalm 112:4 (ESV)

Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;

    he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.

The righteous man in Psalm 112 is described as someone who is gracious and full of compassion. These two powerful qualities are also attributes of Jesus Christ.

God’s grace cannot be earned and is bountiful in supply. It is a free gift. Some people can’t accept that grace is enough — they want to do something more to earn it themselves. But Romans 5:20-21 tells us:

“...sin didn’t, and doesn’t, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it’s sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that’s the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life—a life that goes on and on and on, world without end.”

You may have made some big mistakes in your life, but God’s grace is greater than your sin. There is nothing more you need to do, other than make the decision to surrender your life to Jesus, ask for His forgiveness and accept His unmerited favor and blessing in your life.

Compassion is another powerful characteristic of God. Every time Jesus was moved with compassion, something powerful happened. “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them...” (Matthew 14:14)

When facing a tough situation, human nature is easily drawn to sympathy, but the reality is that sympathy is not always what is needed. Sympathy identifies with the problem or hurt, but it is not focused on the solution, helping you move forward.

Compassion, along with God’s grace, is a powerful force that activates His answers for your life.

You may have fallen at times, but God’s grace is stronger than your weaknesses. Don’t confuse sympathy for compassion in the people you surround yourself with. Be encouraged and seek God’s answers for every area of your life. This is how you grow in living the blessed life.

Dear Lord, we thank You today for Your compassion. We pray that we would be instruments of Your compassion to those around us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.