February 8 - Gentle and Compassionate

"But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." Psalm 86:15 (KJV).

God has ordained, according to the law of service, that we comfort one another in tenderness and love when great sorrows come upon us. No one lives for themselves alone. Both life and death hold meaning for every human being. God has entrusted to His people the sacred duty of revealing His character, bearing testimony to His grace, wisdom, and kindness through the manifestation of His tender, merciful love. It is written, "The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works" (Psalm 145:9, KJV). Jesus was always moved by human suffering, and our hearts must be softened and yielded to the Holy Spirit, so that we may reflect His character, working according to His will.

Our mission is to restore in humanity the moral image of God through the abundant grace provided in Jesus Christ. Everywhere, there are souls on the brink of despair, and how essential it is that Christ’s compassion flows through us, so that we never drive anyone away through a lack of patience and kindness. Have we truly learned the meekness of Christ? Oh, how we need to know Jesus and our heavenly Father more intimately, that we may represent Him in character!

Jesus calls us to Himself, not merely to refresh us with His grace and presence for a short time, only to send us away again into darkness and sorrow. No, He desires us to abide with Him and He with us. Wherever His work is to be done, He is present—gentle, loving, and compassionate. He has prepared for you and for me a permanent dwelling in Himself. He is our refuge. Our Christian experience must grow deeper and richer. Jesus has revealed to us the fullness of His inexpressible love and declares: "For we are labourers together with God" (1 Corinthians 3:9, KJV). What depth there is in the words: "Abide in me" (John 15:4, KJV), and "Take my yoke upon you" (Matthew 11:29, KJV). Will we take it upon ourselves? For the promise is given: "And ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29, KJV). There is rest, perfect rest, in abiding in Christ.