"But thou, O Lord, art a God full of

compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." Psalm 86:15

Oxford Dictionary defines compassion as: sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

During the last few weeks, many parts of the world have been devastated by hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, and other life-threatening events. People have lost everything that they owned. There is a scarcity of food, shelter, and medical supplies. Charitable organizations have made a plea for compassion, and donations have been pouring in. People have seen the need and given of their finances to help those suffering.

David, in his prayer in Psalm 86, describes God as being full of compassion. When Jesus was here on earth, everything demonstrated this attribute in His ministry:

Matthew 9:36 "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."

Matthew 15:32 "Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way"

Mark 1:41 "And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean."

Luke 7:13 "And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

Whether the Lord has blessed us with little or much, one of the best ways we can imitate Him is by showing compassion to those who are in need. We may not be able to make large donations, but we all can give something. God only asks us to do what we are able. Little is much when God is in it. Matthew 10:42 "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."

Thought For Today: How can I show compassion to someone today?

Devotion by: Anne Johnston