Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5: 7)

Mercy, compassion—whatever you may want to call it, is a big thing with God. It is something that Jesus demonstrated over and over again in His earthly ministry. From healing the sick to speaking one on one with the authorities who could see the truths that He brought forward, Christ took the time to minister to each person who approached Him in sincerity.

Perhaps one of the best examples I can think of in understanding the mind of God in relationship to mercy and compassion is contained in the following writing:

On the street I saw a small girl, cold and shivering in a thin dress, with little hope of a decent meal. I became angry and said to God: “Why did you permit this? Why don’t you do something about this?”

For a while God said nothing. That night, God replied to my questioning. In my sleep, the distinct voice of the Creator spoke. “I did do something about it,” the voice said. “I made you!”

God of mercy and love, may our eyes be opened to the unnumbered opportunities You place before us each day to minister as Your Son ministered to others!