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“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).

“But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).

What is the character of God?

רַחוּם. In Hebrew, rakhum. 

When it’s translated into English, rakhum relates to our word for womb. 

“Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you” (Isaiah 49:15).

Compassionate! God is rakhum! God is compassionate! 

Compassion, therefore, is a word of strong emotion, at the core of a person, related to a mother caring for their child. 

Years ago, I went through a time of difficulty. I was hard on myself. Fortunately, I was encouraged by a wise priest to pray for myself and practice self-compassion. It was quite startling! I was invited to discover the Father’s love through self-compassion. 

So often in our lives, we can be harsh and critical towards ourselves and others. But this is not the God of the Bible. The Christian God builds us up and lifts us. He encourages and corrects. He is a faithful God who extends mercy to us.   

When I was not where I thought I would be… When things have gone wrong… When the same sinful habits plague me… When setbacks plague my recovery… When I don’t know where to turn or what to do… Look into the compassionate eyes of our God. The God who does not condemn or humiliate but offers mercy and strength.  

Patrick is a beloved son of the Father who desires to use his gifts to build up the Kingdom of God. You can read more of his writing on his blog.