As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
Psalms 103:13-14 NIV
No other word better brings home the truth of Divine lovingkindness than compassion — the compassion of the Lord. There is love and mercy shown in passing by our sin and forgiving us. And one of the reasons for this is because He is a loving Father. Our God is not like every father; for no one can be compared to Him. The Passion Translations (TPT) gives us more insight into the truth of this scripture:
The same way a loving father feels toward his children— that’s but a sample of your tender feelings toward us, your beloved children, who live in awe of you.
Psalms 103:13 TPT
God’s compassion is condescending love. It is the love of one who is infinitely our superior. The best way we can relate to God is through sincere repentance for our sins and trusting in His compassion. Meanwhile, I would like to point out that no one else that knows you the way your heavenly Father does. Therefore, no one can be as compassionate to you as Him. Even when people may not be aware of your limitations, God, who knows you completely, never forgets them. As a result, He shows even greater compassion, understanding your weaknesses and challenges.
This divine compassion towards us is evident in how Jesus interacted with His disciples. He didn’t keep a record of their faults or constantly remind them of their shortcomings. Instead, He showed them by His own perfect example how to live. Jesus treated them as friends and brothers, embodying the love and care of a father for his children. Despite their lack of understanding and spiritual immaturity, Jesus patiently taught them, never growing weary of their slow progress. He demonstrated humility and gentleness, allowing them to recognise their own flaws considering His perfection. Jesus’ tender and paternal compassion is truly remarkable.
Further, God is more concerned about bringing us forgiveness and salvation instead of keeping record of our sins – what a compassionate Father. Though, this should not be mistaken as a basis for sinning, for the compassionate Father is also just. Thus, He “…disciplines everyone he loves; he punishes everyone he accepts as a child.” (Hebrews 12:6).
But amazingly, God—so full of compassion—still forgave them. He covered over their sins with his love, refusing to destroy them all. Over and over he held back his anger, restraining wrath to show them mercy. He knew that they were made from mere dust— frail, fragile, and short-lived, here today and gone tomorrow.
Psalms 78:38-39 TPT
How then should we respond to such amazing compassion that, over and again held back from us the punishment that is due us because of our sins? How shall we respond to the loving-kindness that covered over all our sins and gave us eternal life? A frail, fragile, and an ordinary man like you and I, now shown mercy, given a pure and an everlasting life because He knows that if He would not do it, no one else can.
And He has made available the same life also for all who would put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and saviour whom He gave to for the whole world as an atoning sacrifice because He knows that there’s nothing in us that could bring us salvation.
