As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. For he knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust. Psalm 103:13-14, CSB

The word compassion has been on my heart for several months.

All too often, I know that I can be easily annoyed with my students and too harsh at times. I let little things get to me that I should ignore and I don’t always handle situations with the right spirit. Perhaps you’ve been there, too. Maybe you’re there right now!

Today’s verse is so comforting because it reminds me that God knows we are human. He is a loving Father and He doesn’t expect His children to be perfect. He knows we’ll make mistakes and has compassion and mercy for us.

This is how I want to view my students, as well. I want to remember that they are human and will make mistakes too. I want to have compassion and mercy for my students like God has for me. However, I have to remember that true compassion and mercy aren’t things I can create in myself; they’re attributes that can only come from the Lord.

Will you join me in praying that God would grow true compassion and mercy in our hearts for our students?

Dear Father, thank you for the compassion and mercy You show us. Please help us to never take that for granted, and to always turn to You in repentance when we sin. Please also help us as we desire to show compassion and mercy to our students. Please grow those fruits in us and allow us to see the work You are doing in our lives as we continue to become the teachers and people You want us to be.

Copyright Allie Hahn.

Allie Hahn is a member and teaches middle school in the metro Atlanta area.