A Compassionate Father - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2026

Bible in a Year: Psalms 100-102, 1 Corinthians 1

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
Psalm 103:13

Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 103:13-18

After eight-year-old Gabriel underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his brain, it left a noticeable scar on the side of his head. When the boy said he felt like a monster, his dad, Josh, had an idea: demonstrate how much he loved his son by getting a tattoo on the side of his head with the same shape as Gabriel's scar.

According to the psalmist, this is the kind of empathic and compassionate love God has for "his children" (Psalm 103:13). Using a metaphor drawn from human life, David illustrated God's love. He said it's as tender as a good father's care for his children (v. 17). Just as a human father shows compassion to his children, so God, our heavenly Father, shows love and care toward those who fear Him. He's a compassionate father, who empathizes with His people.

When we're weak and feel like we're unlovable because of the scars of life, may we receive, by faith, our heavenly Father's love toward us. He demonstrated His compassion by sending His Son to lay "down his life for us" (1 John 3:16)—for our salvation. With this one act, not only can we experience God's love for us, but we can look to the cross and see it. Aren't you glad that we have a High Priest who can "empathize with our weaknesses" (Hebrews 4:15)? He has the scars to prove it.

By: Marvin Williams

Reflect & Pray
How do you mind the gap between knowing God loves you and experiencing His love? How does it make you feel that Jesus, our High Priest, can empathize with every scar you have?

Heavenly Father, thank You for your compassionate love for me. May You use my scars for Your glory.