 |
| “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” ― |
Compassion.
We all need it.
Sometimes, it runs out, or we have limits.
Still, everyone needs compassion.
Begin by looking at someone. But look beyond what they are wearing
and their outward personality. Still, look deeper. Beyond the self they’ve
created—what is known as the ego. Now, keep looking deeper. Go out past your
stereotypes, prejudices, and assumptions—the ego that stands in our way from
seeing the other as human.
Then, beyond our attempts at self-preservation and the
backpack full of self-defenses, we will meet each other. Really meet each
other. The way God in Christ met the world.
Our compassion may waver, but God’s is a stronghold.
Where we fail—by mocking people who are different than us; by
adults bullying young people via social media; by being passive-aggressive to
one who hurt us—God is faithful:
8The Holy One is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.9The Holy One is good to all, and his/her compassion is over all that s/he has made. ~Psalm 145
Compassion.
Have it.
Receive it.
Give it.
Having compassion can lead to empathy—and in that move
towards each other, we also move closer to the heart of the Triune God.
Remember what Plato said, “Be kind, for
everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”
No comments:
Post a Comment