Compassion

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV

One of the (many) great lessons I have learned to date, is the gift of compassion.

“Compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into places of pain, to share in brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish. Compassion challenges us to cry out with those in misery, to mourn with those who are lonely, to weep with those in tears. Compassion requires us to be weak with the weak, vulnerable with the vulnerable, and powerless with the powerless. Compassion means full immersion in the condition of being human” Henri Nouwen

As I studied the gospels, I read multiple accounts of how Jesus was moved with compassion for the multitudes. And this moved Him to healed the sick, deliver those under demonic oppression, feed the multitudes, and perform miracles beyond what we read.

In my own life, I had to pray for this gift. The more compassion I had for others, the less difficult it was to forgive.

I have a family member who is hurting. This hurting has caused this person to become angry with those who love him. He instead lashes out when the opportunity arises.

Rather than being hurt by the verbal attacks, God has given me compassion for him. All I can see is that, he’s hurting. I pray for him and his healing the same way that I would pray for myself.

What I’ve learned of compassion is that when we have it for others, it’s interceding on their behalf. It’s also loving them through the trial. It’s being with them in their darkest and lowest moments.

That’s what Jesus does for us. We’re called to be His hands and feet. We’re called to love like Him.

*Original image courtesy of Yours Truly ☀️🤍🌺