Thursday, April 12, 2007

Compassion

I just finished reading a wonderful and inspiring book titled, Compassion, by James and Michal Goll. Compassion is something really lacking in our world today. What is genuine compassion?
Many times we see others doing really nice things for people or we tend to do kind things for someone in need. However, we lack the deep wells of compassion which mark our actions with eternal purity. We leave with a temporary satisfaction that we have done our good work for the day. We think well of ourselves in being the good Christians we should be. We have done our duty.

So, what is compassion? Take a look at Jesus. Jesus was a man who wept. He felt the pain of suffering souls. He probably felt the pain even deeper than they did themselves. Compassion is the deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with a passionate longing to relieve it. Do we show kindness out of a drab sense of duty, or do we truly yearn to be vessels in which Christ can minister a release of His compassion through us?

This is truly convicting for me. Many times we just pray,"God, give me more compassion for hurting people." Here is His answer. "Spend time time with Me , for I am lowly and meek. For it is in eating My words, digesting my truth, and basking in My presence where true compassion is cultivated." James and Michal Goll said that many times people will ask them to pray for them to have more compassion as if it is something to be imparted. This is far from the truth. Compassion is a well formed within the innermost being only by joining hearts with the Source of compassion (my definition). This only comes through intimacy with Christ.

We need a revival of genuine kindness in this nation. We are often too busy, too stressed and too worried to stop and take note of the sorrowful conditions of others. May we be burdened to go to the heart of God and allow His vessels of eternal compassion be joined to our own heart's vessels that the wells of kindness within us may be deepened.

Lord,

Teach us about Your presence. Give us the grace to stir ourselves in order to take hold of You.
As we reach for You in our secret place, may we learn of You and what it means to feel true compassion for the many hurting people in this world. Open our eyes to see them as your precious treasures. Tender our hearts as we soak in you company. Open our hearts that we may pour out waters of living compassion to those You place before us each day. Amen.


By Ange

5 comments:

Betsy Thraves said...

John and Ange,
This is a timely word for all of us, especially considering the present Imus flap. I doubt true compassion has ever been needed in this country more than now. If we in the church can really grasp and apply what you were saying, perhaps we can make a difference in our dear, but increasingly harsh and coarse, nation. Love the blog! Betsy

Unknown said...

This is great...very beautifully written. It is encouraging to all Christians, and has the compassion and tenderness to touch those that are lost and seeking "something more". Love you, Kelley G

Bec:) said...

Wassup Homeslices,
Great thoughts and love the way you gave practical tips to take action with your compassion!Bec:)

Hope Buhler said...

Thanks for sharing these thoughts on compassion--we all need more of this on a daily basis.

Isn't it amazing how in our "fast food, immediate gratification" society that we want the things of God "imparted" to us. What others have labored for, been tested and tried in, we want hands laid us on us for a quick transfer. We want the fruit without the labor that it requires. How great the Lord is that He does not cater to our demands. He slowly produces desperation in us and creates a hunger and if we are faithful to lean into that hunger, how faithful He is to give us His heart and perspective. He takes relationship serious...He isn't casual with things that are important to Him. May we not be casual with His heart so that we might be found worthy to be containers of compassion.

Hope Buhler said...

Thanks for sharing these thoughts on compassion--we all need more of this on a daily basis.

Isn't it amazing how in our "fast food, immediate gratification" society that we want the things of God "imparted" to us. What others have labored for, been tested and tried in, we want hands laid us on us for a quick transfer. We want the fruit without the labor that it requires. How great the Lord is that He does not cater to our demands. He slowly produces desperation in us and creates a hunger and if we are faithful to lean into that hunger, how faithful He is to give us His heart and perspective. He takes relationship serious...He isn't casual with things that are important to Him. May we not be casual with His heart so that we might be found worthy to be containers of compassion.