The first part of Psalm 145:8 makes clear the relationship between compassion and mercy: "The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy."
As you know, Jesus was a perfect representation of the heart and nature of God. Jesus said, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9). You don't have to look for long at the life of Jesus to discover He was a man of compassion.
Here is a sampling of verses showing Jesus being moved with compassion: "But when Jesus saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."
In Matthew 9:36: "And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick."
In Matthew 14:14: "Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way."
And in Matthew 15:32: "So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him."
Over and over again in Scripture, we see how Jesus' compassion moved Him to meet the needs of the people.
If you want to understand the heart of Jesus, you must start with an understanding of His compassion. He described His mission as one of coming to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).
What does all this have to do with the presence of God? Everything!
Understanding the compassion which God has toward you will totally change your attitude about spending time in His presence. As we have seen, it is only in His presence that you can enjoy the benefits of healing, prosperity, peace, and power.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers