Les Henson
As we read the Gospels, we encounter many stories demonstrating Jesus's compassion for those in desperate need, and he calls us, as the people of God, to continue his ministry of compassion. Compassion is powerful in that it helps us connect with others in a way that goes beyond sympathy or pity. It's about being present for others when they need us the most, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. Compassion involves putting ourselves in their shoes and doing whatever we can to alleviate their pain and suffering.
When we show compassion, we are acting as Jesus acted. We're not just feeling sorry for someone or trying to solve their problems. We're actively listening, understanding, and offering support and comfort. We're willing to enter into the most complex and challenging situations with others, cry out with those who are in misery, mourn with those who are lonely, and weep with those who are in tears.
Compassion requires us to step out of our own experiences and perspectives to truly connect with others on a human level. It involves being present at the moment, listening with an open mind and heart, and putting aside our own needs and concerns to attend to the needs of others. It's hard but a fruit of the Spirit that can only be developed with practice, and the Spirit's help.
Compassion is not just about a one-time act of kindness but about building strong and meaningful relationships that can endure over time. It's about fostering community and belonging and striving towards a more just, equitable, and compassionate society. When we embody compassion, we become agents of positive change in the world and the lives of those we encounter, creating ripple effects that can spread far beyond our immediate circle of influence. It's a way of being that can transform our own lives as well as the lives of those around us.