Compassion

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Mark 6:34

We are reminded many times that Jesus was filled with compassion. However, exactly what does it mean to have compassion or to be "filled with" compassion. Compassion is more than just an understanding of someone else's suffering or pain, it involves action. Compassion is best described as an understanding of the emotional state of another; not to be confused with empathy. Compassion is often combined with a desire to alleviate or reduce the suffering of another; to show special kindness to those who suffer. Compassion may lead one to feel empathy with another person. Compassion is often characterized through actions, wherein a person acting with compassion will seek to aid those they feel compassionate for. Compassion is defined as the type of behavior which seeks to benefit others by reducing their suffering.

What keeps us from being filled with or having compassion for others then? Most of the time it is because we are so filled with our own pain and suffering that there is no way to notice the pain of others. This is what is so important about Grace! Can we allow God to love us and relieve our suffering? Can we acknowledge our own pain and allow God to wrap us in love and comfort?

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Do we really understand that Christ came to show compassion, to display an act of kindness so great that it would alleviate our pain. Do we accept the reality of grace, because when we do then we are equipped to help others and become filled with compassion ourselves. I cannot be filled with compassion unless I deal with my own suffering and pain. How can I be "filled with" compassion if I cannot treat myself with kindness by accepting that I am loved by the Creator? It is like if I have an orange and I cut a hole in the top of it, turn it over and squeeze it. What do I get? Yes I get juice, but what kind? Do I get apple juice or prune juice? No, I get what is already inside - orange juice. There is no way for me to put some other juice in the orange, it has to be what it is. So it is with us. When we are "squeezed" by life and it's stressors what will come out? If we have been able to acknowledge that we are full of pain and allow God to transform us through the practice of accepting grace, disciplines of stillness, prayer and mediation to examine our thoughts, and act on this change daily, we will show compassion. We will understand how to be kind towards others and really show love.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32

Today practice accepting God's love in your own life and realizing that you are created in the image of God. You have the spirit of God living in you and God has nothing but compassion for you. Recognize it in yourself, practice silence and taking your thoughts captive, and begin to 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Matthew 22:39. There is no way to have compassion for others until you can for yourself. This is not selfish, but the whole reason that Christ came! "I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." John 10:10 We must have it so that it can be given to others through us. Practice compassion today, attempt to relieve someone elses pain today because Christ has done this for you.

"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for. You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world." Matthew 5:7-8

Namaste'