O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, Lord, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

(and Psalm 145:8-9, 78:36-40) Note in these passages that God is not just compassionate, but He is a God who is “full of compassion” toward His people, even when they rebelled against Him. To say that God is full of compassion is like saying God is rich in mercy. To say that God is rich in mercy is to say that God is full of compassion! If you’re saved, it is because God was “rich in mercy” and “full of compassion” toward you. But God didn’t just save you to grant eternal life to you, when He saved you, He also “recreated” you that He might show Himself (that is, His mercy and grace and love and compassion) through your life to those who encounter you every day. One of the most beautiful characteristics of His workmanship, which should be GROWING in each of us as children of God, is COMPASSION. Now, none of us will ever be what the Lord Jesus was in the days of His humanity…. In perfection, holiness, love, mercy, and compassion…but as we grow and mature in Christ, each of us should be becoming more and more like Him…and more of Him should be coming forth from our lives! One such characteristic from Christ to us ought to be Christ-like compassion! Matthew 18:21-35 There was never a time in the Lord Jesus’ earthly life when He was heartless, cruel, callous, without feeling, cold-hearted, or insensitive… even when He was interrupted or disturbed or when He needed a rest, His heart never faltered toward those that came to Him, He never failed to be “moved with compassion” toward hurting, hungry, sick, and needy human souls! There was also the good Samaritan, and the Prodigal Son’s father. In the final minutes of His suffering on the cross, Jesus did not forget to show compassion and care for His mother. Look into the mirror of God’s Word and examine your heart. Psalm 119:59: “I thought on my ways and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” Beloved, the last thing we want to be as Christians is heartless, cruel, callous, unsympathetic, and cold-hearted! Look at how many times the Lord Jesus was “moved with compassion” toward the hungry, poor, and needy, sick, and suffering. WE, His people, who possess the Spirit of Christ within, should be IN OUR LIVES, as He was….IN HIS LIFE.