Compassion!

Compassion!

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; Psalms 103:13 NIV

Let us look at the simple definition of 'compassion' and it is: sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. First, there must be a heart that seeks to identify with the pain and suffering of other people. It is not compassion if my heart responds with pride, or if I only want to show off what I have or know. Secondly, it would appear that for me to be seen as compassionate, I am not to the one to claim I have it, but other people will call me as such when they see the fruit in my life. So, two things: experience and personality flow together to define compassion. Can I examine my life and, without fear of contradiction, say that I have a heart that seeks to identify with other people? 

Am I so focused on my own problems that I do not have the time or patience to bother with another person's experiences? How do we explain compassion from an earthly father's perspective? Most fathers naturally want the best for the children. We slave and drive ourselves to the ground, simply because we want to secure a good life for the children. Sometimes, fathers engage in crime because of the need to settle the family and meet legitimate needs. Sometimes, we defend the chase by saying "the end justifies the means", but it still does not absolve a man from crime if he is caught stealing, even if it is to put food on the table for his family. If earthly fathers, sinful, redeemed, or whatever state they may be in, can be this focused and dedicated to the family, can you imagine what the perfect heavenly Father would be like? 

Imagine the love a father has for a child, then picture this love multiplied in multiple folds beyond measure, then you get an idea of the kind of love God would have us know and experience. As children of earthly fathers, we can all point to instances where we knew we were wrong and deserved punishment, but our fathers somehow overlooked the faults. For some of us, the threat of punishment or the words we would hear was enough to drive us never to do the wrong again. If we so feared our earthly fathers who could only apply discipline for a short while, how much more should I fear the heavenly Father who can destroy both body and soul in hell. 

Our earthly fathers could only deal with us as best as they could, and with the resources they had, and for a short time while they could. I must fear the Father who is able to train and prepare me for earthly impact and eternal reign with him. God wants me to be a blessing down here on earth and also be fit for service in the kingdom of God. The fear of God is the key to this reality. Nothing else will work. Do I fear God so much that I always want to please Him? If I will access his compassion, freely, then I must fear Him. God's time of favour is here.