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January 05, 2026

TLC for the Believer

January 05, 2026 by CARISSA JOY STRUM COMPASSION Purpose Serving joyfully Rest Grace Compassion Worshiping God Reflecting God Praise
TLC for the Believer
  • by CARISSA JOY STRUM
  • Comment
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love…. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”
Psalms 103:8, 13-14

Sometimes it helps me to look at the definitions for words that we see a lot in Scripture, such as “compassion.” “Compassionate” used in verse 8 is translated as “merciful” in the ESV, and “compassion” in verse 13 is defined as having deep love and “tender affection” (Brown-Driver-Briggs, “Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament,” as referenced in Literal Word app). The word “tender” stood out to me as I read that definition. Tenderness is inherent in parenting; parents treat their children with kindness and care. But as we grow up, we seem to forget our need for the tenderness of our Heavenly Father. The world teaches that we need to tough it out and lean on our own strength; God calls us to lean on His (Psalm 20:7, 2 Cor. 12:9-10). God’s compassion frees us from works-based living and allows us to bear fruit from a place of rest in His completed work.  


These verses about God’s compassion are in the middle of a psalm David bookends with the call: “Bless the LORD, O my soul” (vv. 1, 22). God’s unmerited compassion leads us to worship. Human compassion is limited because of sin nature, but God’s compassion is unlimited. He is so compassionate that the Word describes His love as “lavished” on us (1 John 3:1)! What a powerful image to bring our hearts to worship. 


As we worship God for His compassion on us, let us show compassion to His world. Looking to Jesus as our example, let us seek to reflect Him to a watching world. Although the world has changed, Jesus remains the same and we can lean on His example (Heb. 13:8). Hebrews 13 calls us to live out God’s compassion. I encourage you to read the whole chapter soon, but for now let’s close with a few of the verses as a benediction:  


“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:15-16  


“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21 

Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your compassion! Thank You for lavishing Your loving kindness on us. We don’t deserve it and we stand in awe of You. We worship You, Lord. As Jesus reflected Your compassion to those around Him, would You fill us with Your compassion so we can be agents of Your tender love to a world deeply in need of You? We seek Your Spirit’s help and guidance as You call us to be Christ’s hands and feet. We love and worship You, Father! In the kind and compassionate name of our Savior we pray. Amen.
Resources
Devotional: Fix Your Eyes: 5 Devotions on God’s Faithfulness by Well-Watered Women Co These brief devotionals contain powerful Scripture passages that speak to God’s faithfulness and compassion (such as Lam. 3:22-23, I’d encourage you to read verse 24 as well)! They are bite-sized reminders of God’s faithful and compassionate character and presence.
Song: Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin Singing songs about God’s compassion is such a beautiful way to fix our hearts on Him. This song linked above is a powerful reminder of our position as God’s children and His tender-hearted love for us. Another beautiful worship song about compassion is “Mighty to Save.” If you have any other suggestions, I’d love for you to comment them so we can share in worshiping our God!
Question for Reflection

Jesus showed God’s compassion to those around Him in both the big and small moments of life (John 21:12-17, Luke 7:47-50, John 4:1-26). Which is more difficult for you—showing God’s compassion in large events or in the mundane daily routines of life? How can Christ’s example encourage you in this?

Comments
Carissa Joy Strum
January 05, 2026

I’ve felt God’s conviction about being in such a hurry that I feel like I don’t have time to show compassion to people who are in the way of what I’m trying to accomplish. It’s so hard for me to slow down and take time to show God’s compassion when it delays other plans that I have. The example of Jesus continually praying to the Father and seeking His will and agenda above His own is so encouraging and convicting! Praise God for His continual presence and grace.