Read these three Scripture portions and think about how they show God’s compassion. If you don’t recognize the stories where the Luke and John verses came from, you can use the reference given to look them up.
Matthew 14:14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Luke 7:13-14 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”
John 8:11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
God has compassion on those in real need.
In the Psalm portion below, how does this list of things that God does show us how He is our compassionate comforter?
Psalms 146:7-9 (BSB) He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free, the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD protects foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates.
God comforts us. He’s looking out for the helpless.
Psalm 34:18 (NIV) The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
According the Scripture below, what then does He expect of us?
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
He expects us to turn around and comfort others.
The Scripture below is in the Amplified Bible translation. You’ll see extra words or explanations added into the text to enhance understanding. Most translations use “Helper” to name the Holy Spirit in this verse; others use Advocate, and the King James uses Comforter. Think about each of these Holy Spirit role titles in the verse. What do they tell us about God as our compassionate comforter?
John 14:26 (AMP) But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.
Lesson Point: We can know God’s heart is compassionate toward us in our weakness and He is near to comfort us when we are in need.
Challenge Question: The disciples and Martha both accuse Love of not caring when they ask Jesus, “Don’t you care that..?” Do you ever treat God that way when something is going wrong in your life? Confess and repent and recognize God as loving and compassionate. Ask Him to comfort and encourage you in whatever is going on and to show you if there is anyone you should be comforting.