Compassion is Key
Compassion is key is everyone’s life. Someone once told me that being nice will never get you anywhere in life. While it might be obvious that this statement isn’t true, he was referring to the belief that being nice just makes you a pushover. As Christians, we are certainly called to have compassion on everyone and many of us are familiar with the Bible verse that says to “turn your cheek” even in the face of oppression.
Matthew 5:38-40 New Living Translation 38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’[a] 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. 40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.
Compassion is not weakness in God’s eyes.
To others, this may sound like weakness but we know it to be strength in the eyes of God. Jesus was the ultimate example of compassion. He went out of His way to heal, comfort, and love people, and yet He never expected to receive anything in return. Jesus was never weak. He is strong, powerful, yet humble. This unusual combination led Him to amass large crowds of followers who respected Him.
Psalm 103:8-11
8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
No One Said it would be Easy
Jesus knew this lifestyle of compassion isn’t always easy. Jesus suffered dearly for it. Throughout His entire suffering He never once retaliated to His persecutors. He instead asked God to forgive them! Though it’s not easy, it’s how God has called us to live our lives.
Ephesians 4 NLT
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
This is one way we stand out from the crowd and are lights for Christ. People flocked to Jesus because of His selfless compassion for others. Jesus knew compassion is key. This should be true for us too. Others will wonder why we choose to be kind to others even when they hurt us which opens opportunities for us to share the Gospel.
Compassion and Kindness Makes a Difference
Personally, I do my very best to be there for others and to always show kindness because that might be the only compassion they are exposed to. It does make me stand out and many have questioned me about it. I was then able to point the glory to God which surprised them even more! Having compassion for others has not only opened up new friendships for me but it’s made a difference in the lives of others. They’ve seen what being nice can get you.
So try it!
Start trying to deliberately show compassion to others (in a humble way) and see how it can make their day. It makes you happier and it can be a life
changer for someone else. Life is too short to focus on being the best and strongest in the world. We are here to serve and not to be served. The key is a rewarding life is compassion. So go and try it!
A little spark of kindness
can put a colossal burst of sunshine
in someone’s day,
Treading with compassion,
Tiffany Mcinnis
For other inspirations on compassion click on the following links:
