Compassion

Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake’ (verse 5b)

Read 2 Samuel 18:1-18

What heartbreak it would be for David that his son would plot to kill him and take his throne. It is brutal betrayal. Yet, despite the terrible rebellion, David is willing to forgive Absalom. He shows compassion for his wayward son.

God is also a compassionate father. He is willing to forgive us (his children) when we sin and rebel against him.

The Lord himself proclaims himself thus to Moses: ‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin’. (Exodus 34:6-7).

When you find yourself on a rebellious or wayward path, turn around and run back to your heavenly Father. For truly, he is the compassionate one.

What has been your experience of God’s compassion?

Heavenly Father, there are times when I choose my own way instead of yours. In those times, please draw me back to your compassionate arms, and abundant love. Amen.

by Rebecca Cronau in ‘Time Out to Tune in’ (LCA, Australian Christian Resources, 2018)

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