Father

 Psalm 103:13 ESV

 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.


We might assume that being fearsome and compassionate are contradictory. Yet it is because God is compassionate that we should fear to displease our heavenly Father. Like a child is afraid to upset their dad, so we should be scared of grieving the Holy Spirit of God.

Note that the fear of the Lord isn't a blind terror that runs away. It's a child wanting to honour his Father God. We often fail, but God is unfailingly compassionate.

The Lord is compassionate. He feels for us in our weaknesses. Jesus knows what it is like to be tempted, yet he's without sin.

God knows that without him we are like shepherdless sheep. Thankfully, he is the Good Shepherd who seeks out lost sheep. He's laid down his life for us.

'Compassionate Lord, we're so grateful for your compassion towards us in Christ crucified. May we fear you as we ought. In Jesus' name we pray, amen'.

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