We all have an idea of what being compassionate to others looks and feels like. How can we dig deeper and get a better understanding of what it means? My Sunday school class discussed this topic this past week. We shared ideas of how to be compassionate to others. In Galatians 6:2, it says “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” We had an opportunity to sign up for a blood drive for the Red Cross and it is a way that we can carry the burden of someone in need of blood. This is one way to be compassionate, but it is not as personal as compassion can be.
Being a good listener for someone that is going through a difficult time is another way to show compassion. We need to go deeper than just listening to what they are saying. We need to listen to the emotion behind their words. By doing this, we can feel more and understand more why they are troubled. Too often, we make up our minds about the situation before we hear everything that the person has to say. By slowing down and listening to their emotion instead of just the words, it forces you to pay more attention.
You may have never gone through the situation that the person is going through. If someone is suffering from an illness that you have never had, you cannot 100% relate to the situation. If you listen to the emotion that they express, you can ask more questions to understand more about that emotion and can probably relate to the feeling of anger, sadness, doubt, etc. that the person is experiencing. Suffering crosses all humans, regardless of who they are or where they live. I doubt if there is anyone that has not experienced pain/suffering and joy in their lives.
The better listener that you are affects how much a person will share their story/circumstance with you. Put yourself in their situation mentally. Your compassion will flow from your heart and not your mind. Do not analyze what the person needs. Let God work through you and put love in your heart. The words and actions needed will come to you.
When you are truly compassionate, you will feel it in your heart. It will bring you joy in helping others. It is not that you were looking for something in return. It will just feel right.
Let me know your thoughts of a compassionate person. How have they helped you during your suffering? Please leave your comments below.
