Compassion

The Hebrew (hamal [l;m'j], rachuwm [Wj;r]) and Greek (splanchnisomai [splagcNIVzomai]) words sometimes translated as "compassion" also bear a broader meaning such as "to show pity, " "to love, " and "to show mercy." Other near synonyms for compassion in English are "to be loved by, " "to show concern for, " "to be tenderhearted, " and "to act kindly." Biblestudytool.com

Have you ever prayed, "Lord teach me how to love?"

Lately, when I think about love, I think about compassion.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

— Psalm 145:8-9

Think of a loved one, whether a spouse, friend, child, or sibling. In a conflict, have you ever thought: They should have listened to you, they should have done better, be better, should have obeyed you, served you, or loved you the way you deserve? Or perhaps you thought they sinned against you? "  As a result of them not meeting your expectations, perhaps, you may withhold your love from them. You choose not to smile at them, not to be kind,  not to serve them, perhaps not to talk to them or you bash them to others. Or perhaps it is forgiveness that you are keeping from them.  Whatever it is and whoever it is, Christ had every reason and even more to withhold his love from sinners. He was wronged, rejected and betrayed. Yet,  He showed compassion on the cross. He looked upon them and said " Father, forgive them, they know not what they do"  — Luke 23:34.  

"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." — Romans 5:6-8 

Can I look at the people in my life and realize that they are not perfect, as I am not perfect. They are sinners, as I am a sinner. Will they disappoint as I disappoint? Can I look at my neighbors and have compassion on them with the heart of Christ? Can I look at my spouse with forgiveness when he does not meet my expectation, at my friend with understanding when they wrong me, at my kids with mercy when they disobey, or at otheres with grace and truth when they just don't understand why I believe in Christ.  Can I, can we? Through the power of the Holy Spirit that lives in us, Yes! Only by His grace and power. 

Dear Beloved Sisters in Christ, "put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." — Colossian 3:12