KINDNESS and COMPASSION

God is kind and compassionate.  Knowing and believing that God tenderly watches over us with compassion in circumstances we are in will allow our hearts to be filled with peace as we navigate our vulnerable days in recovery.  Comfort and healing for our pain will flow from the knowledge that God really does care for us.

I myself taught Israel how to walk, leading him along by the hand.  But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who took care of him.  I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him. (Hosea 11:3-4 NLT)

God treasures us as His beloved children and desires that we respond to Him as we would to a loving, caring, earthly Father.  When we gave our will and life over to the care of God we may not have been aware of God’s kindness towards us.  An important part of our new life with God in recovery is getting to know this generous grace offered to us through Jesus Christ.  When Jesus looked at suffering people, His heart was filled with compassion for them. 

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  (Matthew 9:36 NIV)

To the extent that we experience God's love, our obsessive thoughts and destructive behaviour will diminish.  We can tell God about what we are feeling because He loves and cares for us and knows exactly what we need.  In the safety of God’s protection, we will see our behaviour improving. Instead of the heavy burden of forcing ourselves to hold our poor behaviour in check, we will find ourselves relaxing and communicating with others in a friendly manner. Experiencing kindness helps us to express kindness.

For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble.  You surround me with songs of victory.  The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you.”  (Psalm 32:7-8 NLT)

Prayer: Gracious God, I ask You to teach me Your ways so that my behaviour may reflect You in me.  My desire is to honour You in all I say and do.  Thank You for Your love and kindness towards me, I am forever thankful that You love and care for me.  Amen