God loves us, and has compassion for us, even when we turn against Him. Just as a parent feels pain when they discipline their child, God also feels that same ache. A beautiful act of mercy and provision I learned in Genesis was when God clothed Adam and Eve to cover their naked bodies. “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.” (Genesis 3:21 NIV).
Adam and Eve disobeyed God, causing evil to enter the world, and God handed out their punishment. But the very next thing God does is make clothes for them. It reminded me of a child who was told not to touch a fragile vase but touches it anyway. The vase breaks, and the child is punished. But then we see the picture of the father sitting with the child as they both glue the vase back together. What a beautiful picture of God’s love, His mercy, and His provision.