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Intention

To recognise that we are made in the image of a merciful Father, and to display mercy to others.

Scripture

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

– Luke 6:36

Reflection

It is beautiful that within the Hebrew word for mercy in the Scriptures, we find the word for womb. ‘Racham’ refers to tender love, great mercy, pity, and the womb. It seems to me that mercy, was always meant to be personal and embodied.

A few months ago, my children and I began making it a habit to stroll along the beach more frequently as the weather warmed up. One particular day, we noticed hundreds of holes along the sand, with crabs scurrying out of them. The next time we visited the beach, there were fewer crab holes. As I sat, my son and daughter started digging in the sand, creating several holes themselves. When I asked what they were doing, they explained they were making homes for the crabs. What stood out to me in that moment was my children’s innate response to nurture, care for, and house these creatures.

Another time, when my children were younger, we were at the beach again and my son was feeling a little out-of-sorts and sat in the beach shelter. A few minutes later, my two-year-old daughter walked over, sat next to him, and placed her hand on his knee. I’ll never forget that moment — witnessing how easily and instinctively my two-year-old responded with compassion.

If we want to encourage hearts and minds toward the gift of life, we first need to recognise the compassion that the Father of creation has placed within all of us (Genesis 5:1–2). It is this that empowers us to create life, raise families, and leave a legacy.

Every one of our lives were designed with a longing for definition, and it is essential that we help this generation connect with their God-given nature — recognising that their natural compassion reflects his likeness.

To continually speak of an unmerciful and godless generation is to sow seeds that will produce that very fruit. Our words should speak life — and let us find delight in allowing people to change their minds, and affirming their original, authentic identity.

A great price was paid through the lavishing kindness of Jesus, who humbled himself — though God and gave up his life so we could be born again into this innocent, wonderful, like-minded identity. It is the kindness of our Father to create us in his image in the first place, and the same kindness to restore us to that image once again.

Let us recognise the gift of compassion within all of us, knowing it’s source, that every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father. May we arise and not hide our light. May our neighbours, family, friends, and strangers experience rebirth as we release and affirm this truth.

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Prayer

As you are Jesus, so we are in this world.

We desire to reflect you — by being merciful.

When you gave up your body and spirit, you showed us how far you would go to demonstrate your loving kindness and mercy. May we respond in the same way, using our words, bodies, energy, resource and time to extend extravagant compassion.

Help us affirm to our generation that we are fearfully and wonderfully made from the very moment and miracle of conception. Help us recognise and affirm that in your likeness, we are inherently compassionate.

May we nurture these traits and raise children in the way they should go. May we see a great generation of Australians who recognise their compassionate identity and are eager to have children, raising their families filled with confidence, faithfulness, and love.

Amen.

Author Bio

Tosari Thomas is a West Australian mother of two and former youth worker and school chaplain. She first became involved in pro-life work through employment with the Australian Christians Party in 2018 and continued to work for the Coalition for Life WA. She is now employed supporting Love Australia’s latest initiative, the House of Refuge. The mission is to equip churches all across Australia to be a safe haven for those experiencing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy and to help those who have had abortions in their past find hope and healing.

Prayer Points for 21 Days for Life 2026

1. The Holy Spirit to transform our culture so that the shedding of this innocent blood becomes unthinkable in Australia. (Micah 6:7–8)
2. The Church be one, praying and advocating for the unborn. (John 17:21)
3. Each church across Australia to become a trusted place of mercy and redemption, so that anyone experiencing an unexpected pregnancy or who has been wounded by abortion will find help, hope and healing. For every church to be an effective House of Refuge for the unborn and their families, and Hubs of Love to be established in every city and town in the nation. (Hebrews 4:16)
4. Those considering or wounded by abortion to receive compassionate and confidential care by contacting Pregnancy Help Australia or visiting a life-affirming pregnancy centre. (Exodus 15:26)
5. Walks for life to flourish in every state and territory as a public witness. (Matthew 5:14–16)
6. Australians to vote for and elect bold MPs who’ll stand for and champion the sanctity of life. (Psalm 139:13–16)

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Daily devotions are brought to you by Love Australia in conjunction with the Canberra Declaration.

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