How do you perceive God? If you ask nonbelievers—and even some Christians—the answers will range from Him being a mystical presence to an aloof architect, a wrathful warlord to an absent parent. Sadly, people readily accept these notions due to past life experiences, traditional misconceptions, erroneous teaching and overwhelming baggage. But these fallacies are dangerous! They keep people bound and unable to accept the truth that God is merciful and compassionate, that He not only wants them saved, but also healed and whole in every area of life (John 10:10).
Every believer benefits from understanding that God is a loving, compassionate Father who longs to shower blessings on each of His kids. “Therefore the Lord waits [expectantly] and longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed (happy, fortunate) are all those who long for Him [since He will never fail them]” (Isaiah 30:18 AMP).
Jesus’ earthly ministry often demonstrated this same healing compassion. Many people brushed up against it and experienced total healing and wholeness. What does God’s healing compassion look like? How does it affect your life today? Let’s explore.
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God Is Compassion
Jesus’ compassion went beyond feeling and emotion. His compassion took action, but even more specifically, He embodied—and continues to embody—compassion. Compassion is rooted in His nature, from Genesis to Revelation, and in our world today. He showed His compassion in the Old Testament by delivering His people and by sending messengers to warn them (2 Chronicles 36:15). In the New Testament, Jesus showed compassion by performing miracles of physical healing. In Matthew 14, Jesus moved throughout the region performing such miracles. “Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick” (verse 14). Everywhere the Lord turned, compassion flowed from Him, and it continues to flow through Him today.
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God Offers Healing Compassion in Abundance
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth” (Psalm 86:15, KJV). You can stake your life on the fact that the compassion God offers is always available in abundance. Because of the blood of Jesus, there is no lack. He doesn’t skimp, He doesn’t cheat, and He doesn’t use leftovers. Fresh compassion and healing for physical, mental and emotional ailments are always available to fill the needs of the Body of Christ. As you are filled, you can in turn, as a vessel of God’s compassion, bless those around you.
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Our Response to His Healing Compassion
Throughout the Bible, beautiful examples abound of how to respond to the overwhelming healing compassion of Jesus Christ. As you focus on Him, your eyes turn from your circumstances and onto Him. When your eyes are locked on Him, you can walk like Peter across the stormy trials of life. If your eyes stray to the waves (also like Peter), you are in danger of drowning in doubt. That’s why it’s so important to look at the One who is able to make all things possible.
Let’s take a look at the response of the man who had been demon possessed, after Jesus set him free.
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them (Mark 5:18-20).
When Jesus healed this man, Jesus gave him the simple but profound task of testifying to the healing compassion of Jesus. Because of that man’s obedience, many others had the seed of faith planted in them, too.
God’s compassion radically changes lives. Scripture after scripture illuminates God’s compassion as He reaches out to people with love, mercy and healing. There’s no situation too far gone for Him. There’s no person too far from His reach. If you are in need of healing, recognize and receive the healing compassion of your heavenly Father. It’s yours for the taking. Live in it fully. Not only will it help bring wholeness to you, but it will also delight your Father in heaven.
As always, if you need a partner to agree with you in prayer, please call our prayer ministers at 0860 10 33 56 or submit a prayer request. Any day of the year, we’re here for you!
