Tenderness And Compassion
Saturday March 4, 2017
God is tender and compassionate. Knowing and believing that God tenderly watches over us with compassion in whatever circumstances we are in will allow our hearts to be filled with peace. Comfort and healing for our pain will flow from the knowledge that God really does care for us.
I myself taught Israel how to walk, leading him along by the hand. But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who took care of him. I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him. (Hosea 11:3-4 NLT)
God treasures us as His beloved children and desires that we respond to Him as we would to a loving, caring Father. When we decided to give our will and our lives over to the care of God we were likely unaware of the kindness He was already making available to us. An important part of our new life with God in recovery is getting to know this generous grace of God offered to us through Jesus Christ. When Jesus looks at suffering people, His heart is filled with love and compassion for them.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36 NIV)
To the extent that we experience God's love by drawing close to Him, our desire for sin will diminish. When we have a relationship with God, we can tell Him of all our needs and He will guide us in the way we should go. Our perspective will be changed and the focus in our recovery work will be turned to seeking to experience more of God's love and kindness, rather than on simply improving our outward behaviour, as important as that is.
For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:7-8 NLT)
PRAYER: Lord, I ask You to teach me Your ways so that my life may reflect You in me. My desire is to honour You in all I do and say. Thank You for your love and kindness towards me. AMEN
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