In a world where people judge others so quickly, and often fail to offer second chances, compassion is in short supply. It takes a great level of selflessness to be compassionate, and unfortunately, many lack in this area. Perhaps this is why it is so refreshing to remember God’s promise of compassion for us found in today’s scripture.

When I think of God’s steadfast and immovable compassion compared to our lack of compassion, the story of Jonah and the Ninevites comes to mind (Jonah 3-4). The Ninevites were an evil people in the Old Testament, which God had told Jonah he would destroy. However, when the people put a stop to their evil ways and showed repentance, God changed his mind and did not destroy them after all. Instead of this act of compassion bringing Jonah joy, it made him angry! In Jonah 4:2 he says, “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love…” If you continue reading, you see how Jonah continues throwing his tantrum, and God teaches him a lesson of compassion through a simple plant.

The people of Nineveh remind me of our world today. There were more than 120,000 people in Nineveh living in spiritual darkness, which is why God showed such great compassion. Imagine the great compassion he must feel for our lost world! We may complain about our current situation and question why God hasn’t returned for His people yet, but God, in His endless mercy and compassion, wants everyone to have the opportunity to turn from their evil ways and come to Him.  

To know God’s heart of compassion, it is important to remember where God has brought us from. What has he forgiven in our own lives? What sin do we still struggle with, but God continues to show mercy? In the same way that we have experienced God’s compassion firsthand, this is what he longs for others to experience as well. Let us be a channel through which his love and compassion can flow!

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you for being a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. In the same way that you have shown compassion towards me, I ask that you help me put all selfishness aside and see others through your eyes. Help me continue spreading the Good News with this lost world, so that everyone can have the opportunity to know you for themselves. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Isaiah 54:10 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.