A Prayer for Compassion toward Others This Easter Season
By Alicia Searl
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” - Psalm 145:8-9
While the dictionary defines the word ‘compassion’ as having “sympathetic pity and concern for the suffering and misfortunes of others,” the Bible’s definition goes a bit deeper than that. That would make sense since our God takes our literal meaning of words in the world and marks them with unprecedented and oftentimes controversial meanings. Whereas the world views compassion as an emotion or feeling, the Bible commands us to take that emotion and act upon it!
Our God is a God of compassion (Psalm 86:15). The kind of compassion filled with grace and mercy. The kind of compassion that endures long suffering and promotes healing. The kind of compassion that places someone else needs above their own. The kind of compassion that is slow to anger and rich in love (Psalm 145:8). We see that compassion transpire all throughout His Word.
In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the father was so moved by compassion that he ran to his son, threw his arms around and kissed him (Luke 15:20). Ruth had compassion for her mother-in-law, Naomi, and chose to venture back with her to Bethlehem, even though it was a dangerous trek (Ruth 1:16-17). Elijah was met by a compassionate widow who feed him in her home without having much herself (1 Kings 17:7-16). There are countless other stories that depict people showing compassion toward others, even through difficult times.
Biblical compassion exudes kindness, extends forgiveness, is humble and patient, and bears one another’s burdens (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:1, Galatians 6:2). Essentially, it is selfless.
Fellow brothers and sisters, we get to experience this sacred and perfect compassion during the Easter season as we relive the story of God’s great love and His heart for all mankind (John 3:16). This compassion is what gives us hope. That’s because God’s compassion is not only infinite but eternal, and that is worth sharing!
Let’s pray:
Gracious and Good Father, we are ever so humbled by Your acts of compassion for us. From the many beautiful examples You share with us in Your Word to the promise of compassion You give us in Psalm 145:8-9. Your love is so great, pure, and holy. We thank you for Your gift of compassion and especially the beautiful meaning of eternal life it brings this Easter season. Lord Jesus, You demonstrated such great compassion throughout Your life. In Your teachings, in the work of Your healing hands, in the mercy of Your miracles, all the way to Your final breath. You call us to do the same and to look upon the suffering of others with a spirit of compassion. You tell us to feed the hungry, help those in trouble, care for the sick, and shine a light in the darkness (Isaiah 58:10-14). Please, help us to love and show compassion as You so beautifully demonstrated for us.
Eastertime also bears forth a profound reminder of the suffering which You endured for our salvation and redemption. While this image often breaks our hearts, it is a solemn reminder that You know great pain and, therefore, can understand the nature of our own suffering. This compassion becomes quite personal. So, as we ponder that, it gives us a chance to posture our hearts to give You our thanks and praise. God, due to Your overwhelming compassion, we ask that You give us opportunities to share that with others this Easter. Open our minds and soften our hearts to not only embrace the feeling of compassion but to act upon it with intentionality. Help us spread kindness, lend an attentive ear or helping hand, offer a word of encouragement, and grant the gift of forgiveness. Please show us a path toward compassion.
As we gather with family and friends, open our eyes to help us see the needs of others. Help us meet them with gentleness and sympathetic hearts. Allow us to be Your hands and feet this Easter as we mimic Your love and compassion toward those who may be hurting and in need of the hope and healing that the Easter message brings.
Thank you for Your unceasing compassion, God. We love you! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/pcess609
Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy. Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
Editor's Note: We're proud to announce we've just launched a new nighttime companion to Your Daily Prayer: the Your Nightly Prayer devotional. You'll soon be able to subscribe to receive Your Nightly Prayer via email, or as a podcast, but for now you can find it on the website at crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-nightly-prayer. We hope it's a relaxing and soothing way to wind down your day with rich meditations on who God is.
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