Do you consider yourself compassionate? If so, what are some of the reasons that validate this? Compassion is not something that just happens but is the result of developing character. It requires cultivating the qualities that Jesus embodies. In Matthew 9:37-38 [NIV], Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his field." Jesus encouraged his followers to pray and develop compassion, as it is essential to creating a strong Christian movement, especially in the current era where Christian Character Counts.
Compassion is the ability to understand and empathize with others' pain and suffering, which entails a desire to alleviate it. It also involves being willing to share emotions and offer support when needed. As the Apostle Paul once said, "I have become all things to all people...that by all possible means, I might save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22). When we have compassion within us, we are driven to help others reach their potential. Compassion allows us to see the world from others' perspectives and respond in a way that benefits everyone.
Lack of compassion in individuals can cause many issues and challenges, such as discrimination, violence, neglect, and exploitation. When people focus solely on their own interests and do not consider the needs and well-being of others, it can create a hostile and unsympathetic environment that threatens the good of everyone and degrades individual rights. A lack of compassion can also prevent individuals, teams, and communities from addressing common problems and working towards shared goals. By fostering empathy, understanding, and genuinely caring as a whole, we can create an equitable and sustainable world as God intended it to be.
To become more compassionate like Jesus, there are several things you can do to integrate into your reality. First, serve others! Jesus consistently prioritized the needs of others before his own. He washed his disciples' feet, healed people, and fed them. By serving people, he showed compassion. Another thing he did was listen. Jesus took the time to listen to people's needs and concerns. He engaged in deep conversations with people from all walks of life and demonstrated genuine interest. The greatest thing Jesus did as a compassionate person was that he forgave others. Jesus forgave even those who betrayed him and caused him harm. He recognized that everyone made mistakes and showed compassion and mercy towards them. By forgiving others, we can create an environment of love and compassion.
Being a Christ follower requires us to take action toward promoting and cultivating compassion. Practice empathy; put yourself in someone else's shoes and imagine how they might feel or what they might be going through. Another thing you can do is get involved in your church to serve—the very place where Jesus commanded us to serve. We do this to make a positive impact on the lives of others, where everyone benefits, which Christian Character Counts.
Compassionately,