In these days of violence in the Middle East over spiritual insults and rancorous, negative political campaigning in the U.S., I invite the reader to contemplate this biblical statement about God
8 The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 The Lord is good to all,
and his compassion is over all that he has made. (Psalm 145 NRSV)
What an excellent statement to lift our eyes above the turmoil and heart break of this time on this planet. God is gracious (kind and pleasant) and merciful ( bringing relief from something unpleasant), slow (not quick or fast) to anger (annoyance or displeasure) and abounding (having large quantities) in steadfast (unwavering) love (intense feelings of deep affection).
The psalmist then goes on to say God’s compassion (concern for those who are suffering) is over all (every plant, animal, and human being) he has made.
Now this is some good news, something for anyone in any religion or political party to accept as true. What difference would it make in your life if you began to see all creatures, even those of a different political party and a different religion, being loved and cared for by God?
Rich Rockwood, Christian Author 