“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’” Zechariah 7:9
And when Jesus drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! Luke 19:41-42
When was the last time you saw your father, grandfather or maybe husband cry? We women seem to cry all the time – tears of pain, sadness and joy. We cry during commercials and over babies. We weep when our friends or children are struggling. We cry watching the sunset. But men? Sure there’s a few less “stalwart” men who cry but seeing the men in my family cry has been few and far between.
So now grasp the intensity of emotion when three times in the Gospels we read of Jesus weeping. Over Lazarus’ death, in the Garden of Gethsemane while praying to His Father, and in the above verse in Luke 19.
As Jesus approached Jerusalem for what would be His final days He stood looking upon the home of His Father’s temple. He wept knowing of the coming rejection. But more so He wept for what that rejection meant for His people – separation from the Father and the peace that only He can give.
Throughout the stories of the Bible we see God’s compassion for not just His chosen people but the world at large. The second half of His Law, given to Moses and the Israelites, is rife with lessons on compassion for others – a reflection of His for us. The book of Proverbs constantly reminds us of our duties to our neighbors, friends and strangers.
“It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”– Proverbs 14:21
God weeps over our greed, selfishness, lack of kindness, our propensity to argue and war with one another, and our inner turmoil. His compassion for us draws Him near, seeking to give us His peace and love.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
His compassion towards us is what should compel us to show compassion to others. He has forgiven us so much and desires for us so much, how could we not extend it to those likewise in need?
Friend, God grieves over our selfishness, conflict, and inner turmoil, yet His compassion draws Him near. He fills our lives with grace so that it overflows to others. When we recognize how richly we have been loved, we are compelled to share that love—living lives marked by compassion, generosity, and peace.
“God’s love calls me to be kind,
To love the lost, the hurt, the blind.
In His grace, I find my way,
A light that guides me every day.” Unknown Author
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