Definition: But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Lamentations 3:32 together. It's a really beautiful and insightful message about God’s character. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God isn’t just angry when people suffer. He wants to be compassionate, even when things are tough. He has a boundless supply of mercy – a huge amount of kindness and forgiveness. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "But though he cause grief..." : This part acknowledges that suffering is painful and upsetting for us. It’s a real hardship. "...yet will he have compassion..." : This is the core of the verse. God will show mercy, even when we don't deserve it. He won’t just let things continue without care. "...according to the multitude of his mercies." This is where it gets really powerful. "Mercy" means forgiveness and kindness. “The multitude of his mercies” means he has many levels of compassion, or many kinds of forgiveness. It’s not just a small amount; it's an enormous outpouring of goodness. Think of it like this: Imagine someone who accidentally breaks your favorite toy. You might be sad and angry, but God is willing to forgive you, even though you made a mistake. He has a huge wellspring of forgiveness – more than enough to make things right. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse speaks to the idea that God’s love isn't just about avoiding pain; it’s about actively working through our troubles with kindness and understanding. It reminds us that God is always willing to offer help, comfort, and forgiveness even when we struggle. In short, Lamentations 3:32 tells us that God doesn’t just allow suffering, He wants to ease it and show compassion. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this principle applies to a real-life situation?