Day 44 — A Compassionate Heart
Romans 12:15 – ‘Mourn with those who mourn.’
Being compassionate means looking into the nature of suffering and aspiring to transform it, being motivated to want to see another in less pain, less sorrow, and in a better place than they were before we reached out to them.
Tragically, the world is often paralysed by fear, and this means we cannot always be compassionate, as fear paralyses compassion within us. It literally means we cut off all emotions and empathy; we are too scared to face it or deal with it. So what is the answer to being a more compassionate family member, friend, society, church, country? Dissipate the fear of an issue, and as a result, compassion can be nurtured and grown.
Jesus is the leading example of what it means to have compassion, and we are commanded to be like him. It isn’t enough to simply pass a tissue. It says in Romans 12 v 15, ‘Mourn with those who mourn’ – that is a considerable request. God wants our hearts to break alongside others; he wants us to feel their pain: the true meaning of compassion! When you feel that pain yourself, it is impossible just to walk past. It is a call to action and makes us want to offer support.
Neuroscience has shown that God, in his infinite wisdom, made actual physical and emotional benefits for those of us who offer compassion. It is proven that those who live an empathetic, giving and caring life are enriched rather than emotionally drained, and offering compassion enhances the immune system.
So why don’t you reach out to someone who is grieving and hurting today? We may not all know what to say, but we can all listen, and we can all offer a few simple words, perhaps as simple as, ‘I am sorry you are hurting. I do not have the words to make you feel better, as I know no words have the power to change what has happened. But what I do have are ears to listen and a heart that is aching to see you smile again.’
Prayer: Lord, let us be led by your example, and be vulnerable enough to be willing for our hearts to break alongside others, so we can show your compassion to those who are suffering.
Zoe & Andy Clark-Coates
mariposatrust.org
soultears.org