Forgiveness not Compassion

While telling the parable of the lost son, Jesus described the father waiting for his son, saying, “’but while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him’” (Luke 15:20 ESV). The prodigal’s father was waiting for him, even though his son had dishonored him, squandered his hard-earned money, and was now crawling back to him to ask for mercy. The father was so eager for his son’s return that he rushed to greet him. Though there was much room for offense, bitterness, and resentment, the father did not hold his son’s actions against him, and was able to rejoice at his return with compassion wholeheartedly.

If you are harboring unforgiveness towards someone, it is impossible to have true, Heavenly compassion for them. You can’t honor them or see Heaven’s value in them if you are too blinded by the offense. You aren’t called just to show compassion on the less fortunate and those you don’t know. You are called to show compassion to sinners and those who may be difficult to love, as Christ has loved you when you were still a sinner (Romans 5:8). When you connect with God through Compassion, you forgive because you understand that He has forgiven you of much and that He loves your neighbor as much as He loves you.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for loving me, even when I was a sinner. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins and showing compassion to me. Teach me to forgive everyone who offends me that I may show Your compassion to them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Application

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart for any offense, bitterness, or resentment. Say out loud what you forgive them for. Pray a blessing over them and let God do the work in your heart.