05/25/2026
BIBLE READING PLAN
Monday May 25 - Friday May 29
Monday:
When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. —Mark 6:34, NASB
When Jesus looked at the crowd in Mark 6:34, He didn’t see a nuisance or a demand on His time. He saw people—tired, searching, directionless souls who desperately needed guidance and hope. Though He and His disciples were weary and seeking rest, Jesus chose compassion over convenience. Jesus was showing us God’s heart. His compassion sees beyond behavior, exhaustion, or need—and moves toward people with love. Jesus didn’t just feel sorry for the crowd; His compassion led to action. He taught them, fed them, and ultimately gave Himself for them. In our world, it’s easy to turn away from the brokenness around us—to scroll past the needs that feel too heavy or complex. But when we allow our hearts to be shaped by Jesus, compassion can become our starting point too. True compassion doesn’t look away; it looks closer. It listens, prays, and steps in. Who are the “sheep without a shepherd” in your life right now? How might God be inviting you to respond with compassion rather than avoidance?
Tuesday
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. —Ephesians 4:32
Kindness. Compassion. Forgiveness. These three words capture what it means to live like Jesus in a world that often values pride, revenge, and self-protection. In Ephesians 4:32, Paul called believers to treat one another not as the world does, but as Christ has treated us—with grace that goes first, forgives freely, and loves deeply. But this can be easier said than done. When we truly understand the forgiveness we’ve received from God—undeserved, unearned, and unconditional—it changes how we respond to others. Instead of holding grudges, we extend grace. Instead of reacting in anger, we respond with compassion. Instead of keeping score, we choose mercy.
Kindness is not weakness; it’s strength under the control of love. Compassion is not pity; it’s empathy that moves us to action. Forgiveness is not forgetting; it’s releasing the right to retaliate and entrusting justice to God. Together, these form the heart of Christlike character—the kind of life that reflects the gospel, the good news of God’s great love, to a hurting world. Is there someone you need to forgive or show compassion to today? How does remembering God’s forgiveness toward you reshape your attitude toward others?
Wednesday
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. —2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Paul called God “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). What a powerful reminder that comfort doesn’t come from our circumstances improving—it comes from God Himself. When life feels uncertain, painful, or overwhelming, He doesn’t just remove our struggles; He meets us in them. God doesn’t leave us or abandon us; He is there with us.
But God’s comfort is never meant to stop with us. Paul says we are comforted so that we can comfort others. The healing we receive becomes the help we give. Our scars can become sources of strength for someone else. This is how God redeems pain—by transforming it into purpose. So, when you walk through hardship, don’t just ask, “God, when will this end?” Ask, “God, how can You use this?” Because the very place you’ve been comforted may become the very place God uses you to bring hope to another weary heart. Of course, this can take time. Walking through pain isn’t always easy. But eventually you get to the other side and have a story to tell. How have you experienced God’s comfort in a difficult season? Who in your life might need the same kind of comfort you’ve received?
Thursday
But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. —Psalm 86:15
In a world full of impatience, judgment, and quick tempers, Psalm 86:15 stands as a timely reminder of who God is. David, surrounded by trouble, doesn’t begin by focusing on his enemies—he focuses on God’s character. He declares what is true: God is “compassionate and gracious,” “slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15). These are not momentary traits; they are the essence of who God is. His compassion meets us when we fail. His grace covers us when we stumble. His patience outlasts our rebellion. His love and faithfulness never run dry, even when ours does.
When you feel unworthy, weary, or distant from God, remember this verse. His nature doesn’t change with your mood or mistakes. He is steady, loving, and near. The same God who was merciful to David is merciful to you today. God is unchanging and eternal. What was true thousands of years ago is true today—and will be true thousands of years from now. In a world that can seem fickle; our God is not and never will be. Which of God’s qualities in this verse do you need to experience most right now? How can reflecting on God’s patience and compassion shape the way you treat others?
Friday
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. —Romans 12:13-15
Paul’s words in Romans 12:13-15 paint a picture of what genuine Christian community looks like—a family marked by generosity, empathy, and presence. Too often, however, this is far from what our world looks like today. But it doesn’t have to be. In just a few verses, we see how faith moves from belief to action. To “share with the Lord’s people who are in need” (Romans 12:13) reminds us that love is practical. It’s not just kind words or good intentions; it’s showing up, giving, and serving. “Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13) calls us to open our homes and hearts—not just to friends, but also to strangers. True hospitality doesn’t depend on perfection; it’s about making space for others to belong. It’s about heart more than our actions.
Then Paul kept going: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). That means entering into each other’s stories—celebrating victories without envy and carrying burdens without retreat. Not competing with one another but loving others well. This is love that feels, listens, and stays. When we live this way, we mirror the heart of Jesus—the One who shared in our humanity, welcomed us with grace, rejoiced over us, and wept for us. Where can you show generosity or hospitality this week? Who in your life might need you to celebrate with them—or simply sit beside them in sorrow?
