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Sometimes it’s tempting to conclude that God doesn’t really care about us. We might think He’s like a cruel ruler who demands obedience. He cares little for the hardships of our lives or the stuff we go through.

However, Scripture paints a very different picture. Repeatedly, we see God’s compassion and concern. In Luke 19:41-44, we see Jesus weep over the city of Jerusalem. Verse 41 says “And when he (Jesus) drew near and saw the city, he wept over it.” Why? He knew that Jerusalem would one day suffer a great siege and then destruction. The people would suffer immense pain and upheaval. Jesus identifies with them through his tears.

A few verses later in Luke 20:1 we read, “Jesus was teaching in the temple and preaching the Gospel.” So He brings spiritual food to the people. He teaches and proclaims the gospel good news. This shows a heart for the people’s needs.

Psalm 103:13-14 says, “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame, he remembers that we are dust.” Matthew 9:36 says, “When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

To show compassion means that another person’s difficulty emotionally affects you to some sort of action. Jesus saw Jerusalem’s coming destruction. He felt the pain, wept and prayed. The harassed and helpless crowds moved Jesus to compassion. Then he commanded the disciples to pray for the Lord to send out workers to help the people.

God sees our struggles but He does not walk past pretending not to see. He knows the weakness of our frame. He knows our limitations. He reaches out with compassionate help. The greatest example of His compassion occurred at the cross.

We need to recapture this reality about God when we start thinking He doesn’t care. We need to preach to ourselves “The Lord, The Lord is a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” (Exodus 34:6). With this reorientation, we go forward with the help of our compassionate God.

“We praise you Lord for your great compassion and mercy. Forgive us when we take it for granted or begin to believe Satan’s lies that you don’t care. Help us to move forward in the strength of your steadfast love. Empower us then to show compassion to others.”