You really learn a thing or two about compassion for others when life has kicked you around a bit. You know how it feels and you recognize the "look" in others and it makes you want to reach out to them. It doesn't matter whether your stories are different. All that matters is that common thread of pain.
But, I'd like to go a step deeper. As a follower of Jesus it's not only that as He has comforted me, I can comfort others. It is how He has given me chance after chance, do-over after do-over; and grace, mercy, and forgiveness day after day. And, I haven't deserved it. I didn't earn it with anything special. He just sees in me what I'll never completely comprehend. I turn to Him and I'm at a place in my life where I EXPERIENCE these things from Him - these mighty acts of gracious love - UNCONDITIONALLY. How can I bend before my God in remorse, in the asking AGAIN, in the small where He is big, and experience His forgiveness, His seeing and knowing, His loving and caring, and NOT have love for my fellow man? And, not have compassion on him? And not give more chances? More patience? More understanding?
Recently, I read a newspaper article about a Chicago suburb that was going to begin making Narcan (a special drug to allow for the quick treatment of a drug overdose before paramedics arrive) available not only for their police department, but also available for social service agencies and other public areas such as the library. The article was written sensitively and talked about how their town is trying to educate its residents and that more compassion needs to be given for those with drug addiction. I admit that I was thrown off a little bit. More compassion for drug addicts? Outside of my workplace which treats addiction, I've found compassion for this specific issue lacking. I have seen a fair amount of disdain, intolerance, judgment and ignorance. A lets-kick-you-when-you're-down type of thing. Smugness. I cringe to think about my own smugness and criticism. Just when I think the poisonous weeds have been pulled by the roots, another one pops up in the dark hoping I won't see it. The article went on to tell of one mother's grief as she made funeral arrangements for her son who died of an overdose. When she timidly whispered the reason for her son's death, she was met with cold disdain. Somehow, that boy's life wasn't worth as much as the one who died of cancer. Apparently.
How do we decide what is compassion worthy? Or, WHO is compassion worthy? Many of us can't even give it to ourselves let alone others. At work I have witnessed some of the most kind compassion ever. Residents who look differently with radically different stories than their peers, can be found whispering words of encouragement at the meal support table or running to get a box of tissue or cup of ice for someone in distress. A 20 year old can be seen supporting her 65 year old peer and vice-versa. It's beautiful to me. They've taught me a lot. Nothing raises eyebrows.
For myself, I still stand that Jesus Christ has given and emulated compassion like no one ever. It has poured over me. I know this. There is no timidity necessary in approaching this Father of mine who hand created me into life that He died for. I can approach him 787 times for the same thing and not have to feel embarrassed. Some of my most connected times with Him have been while receiving forgiveness. The healing of that is astounding to me. How can it be that this God of mine who spoke creation into existence, parted a sea, built a lavish temple, healed people, filled His friend's nets with a ton of fish, and overcame death, actually enjoys simply spending time with me? Who else can say that about their God? NOBODY! He is the One and Only!
A sure cure for lack of compassion for others comes from spending time in that "chair." You know the place. It's where you go in solitude to pour out your heart in remorse and then turn your chin upward like one who has been forgiven and knows it. It's where your praises are lifted as well as your requests. It's where you share your life with your Father and where you come to intercede for your friends and family.
We need to be better about extending grace and giving compassion to all people. Seek to understand what you may not. Know what has been excused in yourself and you'll want to do it for others. Know that you can approach God with boldness and confidence and then become someone who is approachable. Keep one hand extended to Jesus and as He fills you with life, extend your other hand and be a life giver to someone else. This is how it works! He fills and we pour.
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you."
- Ephesians 4:32
"We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer."
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Amen!
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