Reflecting on God’s Compassion and Our Own Biases
As I’ve been studying God’s heart for people who are often overlooked—the lowly, the oppressed, the downtrodden, the poor, and the disenfranchised—I find myself amazed and increasingly aware of how personally God relates to each of us. It’s striking how compassionate He is, especially when compared to the callousness that can sometimes be found in humans, myself included.
The truth is, we all have our biases. That’s just a part of being human. But the tough part is putting those biases aside and really listening to what God is saying in His Word. It’s easy to let our own opinions get in the way, but if we’re honest and humble, we can learn so much from Jesus’ example.
Jesus’ Love for the Marginalized
Jesus didn’t just talk about loving those who were on the fringes of society—He showed it in His actions. He spent time with people who others ignored or looked down on, like the poor, the sick, and those who had been pushed aside. His compassion wasn’t reserved for the powerful or the popular; it was poured out for everyone, especially those who needed it most.
Setting a New Standard: Respect for Women and Children
One of the most groundbreaking things Jesus did was set precedents for treating women and children with respect. In His time, women and children were often not valued the way they should have been. Yet, Jesus broke those norms. He spoke kindly to women, defended them, and even used them as examples of faith. He welcomed children, blessed them, and taught that their humility was something to be admired, not dismissed.
By honoring women and children, Jesus showed that everyone matters. He challenged the status quo and invited us to do the same. It’s a reminder that, no matter our biases or what society might say, God’s love is for everyone. If we want to follow Jesus, we need to make an effort to listen, learn, and treat each person with dignity and compassion.
In short, Jesus’ heart for the lowly and His respect for all people invite us to examine our own hearts and strive to love others the way He does: personally, relationally, and without prejudice.
Minister A Francine Green, April 2026
afrancinegreen.com 