As I read Deuteronomy 24 and indeed all of God’s instructions, I keep thinking about compassion. Is that not what God asks of us? Hearts that empathize. Here in Deuteronomy, Moses is addressing certificates of divorce. So sterile when laid out. A husband is displeased and writes a certificate and sends his wife away. Life is hard when hearts grow cold.

God cares for our hearts. He gives guidelines to protect the poor, the foreigner, the widows and the fatherless. Why? Because compassion is important to God.

But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1.

And then v. 19-22. When you harvest your fields of any kind leave some for the poor. Simple verses and yet in the Book of Ruth we see those instructions carried out by a compassionate man who becomes the grandfather of King David and the ancestor of Jesus.

Instructions for our hearts. The more I study Gods words of compassion and walk with Him the more I love His goodness and mercy. I can take everything to Him in prayer and feel His love. He is my stronghold and help when I am weary. He is my hope because He is compassion and love and how we each of us need that! He knows our hearts. That’s why He guides us to compassion. He who created us knows what is best for us.

It’s easy to grow discouraged and frustrated living in a world that doesn’t appreciate all that God teaches us. That’s okay. Take His hand. It’s personal and He knows the better way. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30.

See when I read these verses I can almost feel Him lifting my face and taking me by the hands and helping me up. In His eyes looking deep into mine, I am loved and so are you and He is compassionate love healing every wound and hurt. Compassion. God speed that day!