Un Dieu fidèle, plein de compassion

Qu'il retourne à l'Éternel, et il aura compassion de lui, et à notre Dieu, car il pardonne abondamment. Ésaïe 55. 7

“Un lépreux vient à lui et, à genoux, le supplie en lui disant: Si tu veux, tu peux me rendre net. Jésus, ému de compassion, étendit la main, le toucha, et lui dit: Je veux, sois net.” (Marc 1. 40, 41)

“Avec une bonté éternelle, j'aurai compassion de toi, dit ton rédempteur, l'Éternel.” (Ésaïe 54. 8)

“Comme un père a compassion de ses fils, l'Éternel a compassion de ceux qui le craignent.” (Psaume 103. 13)

“Aie compassion de moi, selon la grandeur de ta bonté.” (Néhémie 13. 22)

“Toi, Éternel! ne retiens pas loin de moi tes compassions; que ta bonté et ta vérité me gardent continuellement.” (Psaume 40. 11)

“Ce sont les bontés de l'Éternel que nous ne sommes pas consumés, car ses compassions ne cessent pas; elles sont nouvelles chaque matin; grande est ta fidélité!” (Lamentations de Jérémie 3. 22, 23)

“Les montagnes se retireraient et les collines seraient ébranlées, que ma bonté ne se retirerait pas d'avec toi, et que mon alliance de paix ne serait pas ébranlée, dit l'Éternel qui a compassion de toi.” (Ésaïe 54. 10)

“Le Seigneur est plein de compassion et miséricordieux.” (Jacques 5. 11)

Tendres compassions, force au jour de l'épreuve,

Grâce et pardon, long support, douce paix,

De ton cœur plein d'amour jaillissent comme un fleuve

Qui ne s'épuise et ne tarit jamais.

———————————————

A Survivor’s Thoughts

I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren. Romans 9:3

Gratitude to God leads to growth in godliness.

After a 71-year-old South Korean woman was rescued during the tragic sinking of a ferry boat, she struggled with survivor’s guilt. From her hospital bed she said she couldn’t understand how it could be right for her to have lived through an accident that had taken the lives of many who were so much younger. She also regretted not knowing the name of the young man who had pulled her out of the water after she had given up hope. Then she added, “I want to buy him a meal at least, or hold his hand, or give him a hug.”

This woman’s heart for others reminds me of the apostle Paul. He was so concerned about his neighbors and countrymen that he said he wished he could trade his own relationship with Christ for their rescue: “I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren” (Rom. 9:2-3).

Paul also expressed a deep sense of personal gratitude. He knew he didn’t understand the ways and judgments of God (see vv.14-24). So while doing everything he could to proclaim the gospel to all, he found peace and joy in trusting the heart of a God who loves the whole world so much more than we ever could.

Lord God, Your ways are so far beyond our comprehension, yet we know without doubt that You love us. Help us trust Your loving heart with the things we don’t understand.