This week, we explore God’s passionate and compassionate love. Many think of emotions as irrational, but the Bible shows that God Himself expresses deep feelings. God’s love is not distant or impersonal; it is a love that longs for His people, rejoices over them, and even mourns their separation from Him. We will see how His love is greater than a mother’s love and how He longs to draw us back to Himself.

- SATURDAY – Introduction

- Memory Text

Isaiah 49:15

KJV ¹⁵ Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. CEV ¹⁵ The Lord answered, “Could a mother forget a child who nurses at her breast? Could she fail to love an infant who came from her own body? Even if a mother could forget, I will never forget you.

- Lesson

In some cultures, emotions are viewed as irrational and weak. However, Scripture consistently portrays God as deeply emotional—expressing love, joy, sorrow, and longing for His people. If God, who is perfect in wisdom, experiences emotions, then emotions cannot be inherently negative.

God’s love is a deeply emotional love, but it is always perfectly controlled. Unlike human emotions, which can be unpredictable, God’s emotions are always rooted in righteousness, love, and justice. His compassion for humanity reflects His longing to restore our relationship with Him.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White emphasizes that Christ’s love flows like an irrepressible stream to all who accept it. This love is unselfish, leading us to kindness, compassion, and service for others.

- Conclusion

God’s emotions are pure and holy, reflecting His deep love and commitment to His people. His love transforms us and calls us to reflect His character.

- Reflection

What does Isaiah 49:15

KJV ¹⁵ Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. CEV ¹⁵ The Lord answered, “Could a mother forget a child who nurses at her breast? Could she fail to love an infant who came from her own body? Even if a mother could forget, I will never forget you.
teach us about God’s love for us?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can understanding God’s emotions change the way we relate to Him?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – More Than a Mother’s Love

- Lesson

Read the following:
Psalm 103:13

KJV ¹³ Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. CEV ¹³ Just as parents are kind to their children, the Lord is kind to all who worship him,

Isaiah 49:15

KJV ¹⁵ Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. CEV ¹⁵ The Lord answered, “Could a mother forget a child who nurses at her breast? Could she fail to love an infant who came from her own body? Even if a mother could forget, I will never forget you.

Jeremiah 31:20

KJV ²⁰ Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord. CEV ²⁰ People of Israel, you are my own dear children. Don't I love you best of all? Though I often make threats, I want you to be near me, so I will have mercy on you. I, the Lord, have spoken.

These verses describe God’s love as greater than even the strongest human love. A mother’s love is often seen as the highest form of human affection, yet God declares that even if a mother forgets her child, He will never forget us.

The Hebrew word raḥam, translated as compassion, comes from the root word for womb, implying a deep, nurturing love. God’s love is visceral, unbreakable, and stronger than any earthly bond.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White compares God’s love to that of a mother who sacrifices everything for her child. However, God’s love surpasses even this—He never forgets those who trust in Him.

- Conclusion

God’s compassion is limitless, exceeding even a mother’s deep love for her child. He never forgets us, even when we fail Him.

- Reflection

What do these verses teach about God’s love compared to human love?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does knowing God’s love is greater than human love bring comfort?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – Gut-Wrenching Love

- Lesson

Read the following:
Hosea 11:1-9

KJV ¹ When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. ² As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. ³ I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. ⁴ I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them. ⁵ He shall not return into the land of Egypt, and the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return. ⁶ And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels. ⁷ And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him. ⁸ How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together. ⁹ I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city. CEV ¹ When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt. ² But as the saying goes, “The more they were called, the more they rebelled.” They never stopped offering incense and sacrifices to the idols of Baal. ³ I took Israel by the arm and taught them to walk. But they would not admit that I was the one who had healed them. ⁴ I led them with kindness and with love, not with ropes. I held them close to me; I bent down to feed them. ⁵ But they rejected me, and so must return to Egypt; now Assyria will rule them. ⁶ War will visit their cities, and their plans will fail. ⁷ My people are determined to reject me for a god they think is stronger, but he can't help. ⁸ Israel, I can't let you go. I can't give you up. How could I possibly destroy you as I did the towns of Admah and Zeboiim? I just can't do it. My feelings for you are much too strong. ⁹ Israel, I won't lose my temper and destroy you again. I am the Holy God — not merely some human, and I won't stay angry.

God compares His love for Israel to a parent teaching a child to walk—guiding, feeding, and protecting. However, despite God’s faithfulness, His people repeatedly turned away from Him.

Verse 8 describes God’s heart “turning over” within Him—a gut-wrenching love that longs for His people even when they reject Him. This is not weakness, but perfect love that never gives up.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White describes God’s love as stronger than death. Even when we turn away, His heart longs for us, calling us to return.

- Conclusion

God’s love is not passive—it pursues us with deep longing and compassion, calling us back to Him.

- Reflection

What does Hosea 11:1-9

KJV ¹ When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. ² As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. ³ I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. ⁴ I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them. ⁵ He shall not return into the land of Egypt, and the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return. ⁶ And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels. ⁷ And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him. ⁸ How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together. ⁹ I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city. CEV ¹ When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt. ² But as the saying goes, “The more they were called, the more they rebelled.” They never stopped offering incense and sacrifices to the idols of Baal. ³ I took Israel by the arm and taught them to walk. But they would not admit that I was the one who had healed them. ⁴ I led them with kindness and with love, not with ropes. I held them close to me; I bent down to feed them. ⁵ But they rejected me, and so must return to Egypt; now Assyria will rule them. ⁶ War will visit their cities, and their plans will fail. ⁷ My people are determined to reject me for a god they think is stronger, but he can't help. ⁸ Israel, I can't let you go. I can't give you up. How could I possibly destroy you as I did the towns of Admah and Zeboiim? I just can't do it. My feelings for you are much too strong. ⁹ Israel, I won't lose my temper and destroy you again. I am the Holy God — not merely some human, and I won't stay angry.
reveal about the depth of God’s love?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does understanding God’s emotions deepen our relationship with Him?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – God’s Pain and Anguish

- Lesson

Read the following:
Genesis 6:5-6

KJV ⁵ And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. ⁶ And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. CEV ⁵ The Lord saw how bad the people on earth were and that everything they thought and planned was evil. ⁶ He was sorry that he had made them,

Matthew 23:37

KJV ³⁷ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! CEV (Luke 13.
34,35) ³⁷ Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Your people have killed the prophets and have stoned the messengers who were sent to you. I have often wanted to gather your people, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you wouldn't let me.

The Bible describes how God feels deep sorrow over human sin. Before the flood, God was grieved in His heart because of humanity’s wickedness. Jesus later expresses heartbreaking sorrow over Jerusalem’s rejection, longing to gather His people like a hen gathers her chicks.

God’s pain is not because He is weak, but because His love is real. Love suffers when rejected. This shows us that when we turn from Him, it grieves His heart, yet He still longs to bring us back to Him.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that God’s love feels deeply. When His people reject Him, He suffers with them, longing to restore them to Himself.

- Conclusion

God’s love is not distant—He experiences grief when we turn away, but He continues to pursue us with compassion.

- Reflection

What do Genesis 6:5-6

KJV ⁵ And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. ⁶ And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. CEV ⁵ The Lord saw how bad the people on earth were and that everything they thought and planned was evil. ⁶ He was sorry that he had made them,
and Matthew 23:37

KJV ³⁷ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! CEV (Luke 13.
34,35) ³⁷ Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Your people have killed the prophets and have stoned the messengers who were sent to you. I have often wanted to gather your people, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you wouldn't let me.
teach about God’s emotions?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How should knowing that our sins grieve God affect our choices?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – The Compassionate God

- Lesson

Read the following:
Psalm 103:8-14

KJV ⁸ The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. ⁹ He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. ¹⁰ He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. ¹¹ For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. ¹² As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. ¹³ Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. ¹⁴ For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. CEV ⁸ The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails. ⁹ The Lord won't always be angry and point out our sins; ¹⁰ he doesn't punish us as our sins deserve. ¹¹ How great is God's love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth! ¹² How far has the Lord taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west! ¹³ Just as parents are kind to their children, the Lord is kind to all who worship him, ¹⁴ because he knows we are made of dust.

Lamentations 3:22-23

KJV ²² It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. ²³ They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. CEV ²² The Lord's kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. ²³ The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning.

The Bible repeatedly describes God as compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. His compassion is not just a feeling—it moves Him to action. The book of Lamentations assures us that His mercies are new every morning, showing that His love never runs out.

God’s compassion is not temporary. Even when we fail, He continues to offer forgiveness, renewal, and grace.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that God’s love is boundless. His compassion leads Him to forgive, restore, and sustain all who seek Him.

- Conclusion

God’s love never fails. His mercy and compassion are new every morning, offering us hope and renewal.

- Reflection

What do Psalm 103:8-14

KJV ⁸ The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. ⁹ He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. ¹⁰ He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. ¹¹ For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. ¹² As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. ¹³ Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. ¹⁴ For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. CEV ⁸ The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails. ⁹ The Lord won't always be angry and point out our sins; ¹⁰ he doesn't punish us as our sins deserve. ¹¹ How great is God's love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth! ¹² How far has the Lord taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west! ¹³ Just as parents are kind to their children, the Lord is kind to all who worship him, ¹⁴ because he knows we are made of dust.
and Lamentations 3:22-23

KJV ²² It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. ²³ They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. CEV ²² The Lord's kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. ²³ The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning.
teach about God’s character?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does God’s compassion impact how we treat others?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – Jesus Wept

- Lesson

Read the following:
John 11:32-36

KJV ³² Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. ³³ When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. ³⁴ And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. ³⁵ Jesus wept. ³⁶ Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! CEV ³² Mary went to where Jesus was. Then as soon as she saw him, she knelt at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” ³³ When Jesus saw that Mary and the people with her were crying, he was terribly upset ³⁴ and asked, “Where have you put his body?”They replied, “Lord, come and you will see.” ³⁵ Jesus started crying, ³⁶ and the people said, “See how much he loved Lazarus.”

Hebrews 4:15

KJV ¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. CEV ¹⁵ Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin!

The shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35

KJV ³⁵ Jesus wept. CEV ³⁵ Jesus started crying,
), is one of the most profound. Jesus, knowing that He would raise Lazarus from the dead, still wept at the sorrow of those around Him. This shows that God shares in our pain—He does not stand apart from our suffering.

Hebrews 4:15

KJV ¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. CEV ¹⁵ Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin!
reassures us that Jesus understands our struggles, as He was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Because He understands, we can come to Him with confidence, knowing He cares deeply for us.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus’ tears show His deep sympathy for human pain. He is not just a distant Savior—He suffers with us and is always near to comfort us.

- Conclusion

Jesus’ tears show that God is deeply moved by our pain. He understands our grief and struggles and is always near to comfort and restore us.

- Reflection

What does John 11:35

KJV ³⁵ Jesus wept. CEV ³⁵ Jesus started crying,
reveal about Jesus’ heart?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does knowing that Jesus understands our struggles help us in difficult times?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Further Thought

- Lesson

This week’s lesson has shown us that God is not distant or unemotional – He feels joy, sorrow, compassion, and longing for His people. His love is greater than a mother’s, His compassion never ends, and He shares in our pain. Through Jesus, we see God’s emotions most clearly, as He weeps, rejoices, and sacrifices Himself for us.

Understanding God’s emotional love should lead us to a deeper connection with Him, trusting in His constant presence and care.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that God’s compassion is not passive—it moves Him to act, restore, and save. As we accept His love, we are called to reflect His compassion to others.

- Conclusion

God’s love is not just a concept—it is deep, personal, and transformational. His compassion changes us, calling us to love others as He has loved us.

- Reflection

How does God’s passionate love inspire us to live differently?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What practical ways can we reflect God’s compassion in our daily lives?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

God Is Passionate and Compassionate

This week’s lesson highlighted God’s deep love and compassion. He experiences joy, sorrow, and longing for His people. Through Jesus, we see God’s emotions clearly, reminding us that His love is real, personal, and transformative.