by Rev Steve Nickodemus

A Father’s Compassion

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“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”
Psalm 103:13

It was a hot day and the boys were not in a good mood.  They grew tired of the treasure hunt and tempers flared.

I watched in amazement as my son, Dave, dealt with the attitudes of his sons.  He was firm, yet loving.  He was clear, yet patient.  What could have been a stormy, harmful scene turned into a beautiful example of a father’s compassion and wisdom.

As I observed my son’s love for his boys, I winced at the memories of times when I had failed to love my sons as a good father should have.  And I was humbled not only by my own son’s compassion but by the compassion of my heavenly Father who has never failed to love me, even when I behaved in immature, rebellious ways.

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”  Good fathers are patient and kind, not selfish or boastful.  They seek to love their children consistently and in a balanced, compassionate way.  And my Father in heaven loves me in that same way, only with far greater consistency, intensity and wisdom.  He is patient, He is kind, He cares for me more than He cared for His own Son!  He loved me so much that He sent His own Son, Jesus, to die for me!

Even when I cannot understand what is happening to me and I am grouchy and grumbling about life, I know that my Father loves me and has a plan for me.  His love is from everlasting to everlasting and He will not fail me.

Lord, thank you for compassionate fathers, and especially thank you for your daily compassion to me.  Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado