Reading 19—God’s Gift of Compassion
Psalm 111

READ PSALM 111

This psalm initially brings to mind the awesomeness of God and that God is worthy of praise. I picture people singing hymns during a worship service. I think of breathtaking mountains I have seen and what it feels like to take the time to really look at them. I remember standing by the ocean and enjoying the powerful and calming sound of the water. When I think about how beautiful the natural world is around me, I instinctively find myself feeling amazed by God and what God can do.

But after reading this psalm several times, I was also struck by how God cares for us. “He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant…He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever.” Other words demonstrate God’s care for us in this psalm: gracious, merciful, faithful, just, trustworthy. When I stop to think about the contrast between God and myself, I am even more amazed.

When I was a social worker, I met many people who didn’t think very highly of themselves. They felt that they were defined by their past, by actions they wish they hadn’t taken or events they wish hadn’t happened. Yet in looking at this psalm, it seems clear that God doesn’t take pleasure in judgment. God’s focus is on “his covenant” with us. God wants to be in relationship with us, no matter what—“he has commanded his covenant forever.” The psalm also says, “all his precepts are trustworthy” and are “to be performed with faithfulness and righteousness.” Yes, God’s rules exist, and they can help us live meaningful and healthy lives. But God also knows we are not perfect and “sent redemption to his people.”

While the word isn’t used in this psalm, God’s compassion seems evident. Since compassion is what God demonstrates, perhaps this is an example for us. In writing about self-compassion, researcher Dr. Kristen Neff writes, “…having compassion for yourself means that you honor and accept your humanness…You will make mistakes…The more you open your heart to this reality instead of constantly fighting against it, the more you will be able to feel compassion for yourself and all your fellow humans in the experience of life.” The next time we find ourselves ready to criticize, maybe we can instead extend God’s gift of compassion to ourselves and those around us.

To Consider

When have you felt God’s compassion in your life?

How can you show compassion to yourself or someone in your life today?

Gracious God, thank you for the times that you show us compassion, especially when it’s not what we expect. Help us to recognize your gift of compassion and to share it with ourselves and those around us. Amen.

Kimberly Dunbar is the Outreach Ministry Coordinator at Good Shepherd, Brevard. She recently completed her third semester in the Masters of Religious Leadership Program through Lenoir-Rhyne University and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. She is a Candidate for Minister of Word and Service through the NC Synod and feels very blessed to be the mother of 10-year-old Sophie.