Yes, Compassion
This day marks a time when many will observe Easter, or Resurrection Sunday. Passover, Pesach, and Lent are also observed during this season. There is a common thread that crosses lines of various religious observances—yes, compassion. Religious or not, your life and the lives of those around you will be enhanced with the practice of, compassion.
When was the last time you were moved to tears by an act of mercy directed toward you? When have you ever elicited that kind of response from someone else based on your actions?
What stirs the compassion in you? What do you do with those feelings of compassion?
Google defines compassion as, “sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.”
When we have true compassion we are moved to do something. Compassion like love causes us to act.
Reportedly its origin is from “ecclesiastical Latincompassio(n-), from compati ‘suffer with’.”
Noted American author and theologian, Frederick Buechner has been quoted as saying these stirring words on the subject: “Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else’s skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too.”
A stunning example of—yes, compassion!
How far did you have to go back in your memory to find an example of compassion? When was someone so moved by your condition that they were not able to have peace or joy until there was peace or joy available for you? Who truly knows your pain, and your unspoken needs?
The most profound act of compassion was by our loving heavenly Father through the person of His only Begotten Son, Jesus the Christ. Regardless of how we have chosen to receive His love, He pours it upon us, nevertheless.
He Was, He Is, He Will Be
Jesus came to earth to experience all that we might in our human skin. He had enough compassion to be moved to take on all of our suffering, all of our sin. He had the will and the power to redeem us. He came to earth that we might have a more abundant life.
We all have the opportunity to have a life of joy, peace, and abundance! God’s provision for us was demonstrated by the resurrection of Jesus, from the dead. Each of us has an opportunity to be redeemed from the consequences of sin and destruction, because of the sacrifice and love of Jesus, the Christ.
Especially on this day I remember the truth that I have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus and reconciled to God as blameless. Regardless of my misdeeds I have been reconciled to God. God so loved the world that He made that provision. A choice open to all.
As I love God I am prompted to seek His will and His way of being and doing right. As I follow His commands I endeavor to see beyond the flesh, to walk in the skin of others—yes, compassion!
The capacity for compassion is innate for children of God. It is also part of God’s give-give economy, we received His compassion, we give it to others, and we receive more compassion.
What promises have been made to those that follow His commandments? When and how will Jesus return? What are we to do in preparation for that return?
Regardless of what religious ritual you do, or do not practice, whatever your denomination, no matter upon what day, or in what building you gather to acknowledge the blessings in your life, can we agree on one thing? Yes, compassion!
As we go about our lives seeing others in pain can we use the gifts we have to help to free them from that pain? Can we attempt to feel what it is like to be in someone else’s skin? Can we want to see others in peace and joy to the point where we decided to act on their behalf without expecting something in return?
I pray each of us is powerfully moved by the truth of the resurrection of Jesus the Christ, which draws us nearer to God and each other—yes, compassion!
Take Inventory and Take Action!
Love,
Deborah
“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”