Compassion

Parent prep | Within the idea of compassion is a sense that a person is “involved with”. Compassion isn’t pity from a distance. It’s up close and involved. God comes near to us in our suffering. God is the source of true compassion. Think of a time when you received compassion from another person.

Read together | Dana remembers, “In Kindergarten I joined the Brownies Troop. I can’t remember much about it, but one Brownie meeting left an impression. We were working on earning a First Aid badge. Our leaders brought in first aid supplies, like bandages, tape and gauze. They asked for a volunteer to have their hand bandaged. They must have picked me, but all I can remember is being terrified and crying loudly outside in the hallway.

Nothing happened. I was certain that they would have to break my hand first to demonstrate. It’s silly to me now, but I didn’t know better then.

Everyone was so kind to me. They sat with me and calmed me down. They tried to explain that no one was going to be hurt. They gently pointed out my friend who was proudly holding up her wrapped hand. They could have made fun of my misunderstanding. They could have called me a cry baby. But they were kind. They were gentle with my feelings. And they were forgiving. Has someone been compassionate to you?”

Our verse today tells us that instead of behaving in hurtful ways, we can show compassion. Compassion is when we come near and help someone who is hurting. Jesus came near to people. He loved people. He healed them. He forgave people. He even gave up His own life for people. You and I are included! Jesus showed us compassion, too. Since He showed us compassion, we can give away compassion to the people around us. We can be kind to one another. We can forgive each other. Who can you share compassion with this week?