An Alphabet for Change: Observations on a Life TransformedSample

C - Compassion (empathy; merciful)

“It’s criminal to ignore a neighbor in need, but compassion for the poor — what a blessing!”

~ Proverbs 14:21 (MSG)

What is compassion, and how is it different from sympathy or empathy? Sympathy really boils down to a feeling of sadness for someone else because of what they are experiencing. Although similar, empathy adds a layer of understanding to emotions. Someone with empathy not only feels sadness for the other person but also experiences emotions because of their understanding of the situation. Some have insight because they have gone through a similar occurrence in the past.

While all three of these terms are related in that they refer to one’s feelings toward others, compassion is unique because it includes a call to action. Compassion is defined as “sorrow for the sufferings or trouble of another or others, accompanied by an urge to help” [emphasis added]. It’s really the second part of this definition that sets compassion apart from both sympathy and empathy.

So, why is compassion important as it relates to personal growth and transformation? Similar to benevolence, compassion manifests itself through an outward action toward others. These steps in both love and humility lead to a closer union with Jesus.

One of the best illustrations of compassion comes from a story told by Jesus in the book of Luke. Most of us are probably familiar with the story of the “Good Samaritan.” Although the parable's purpose was to provide a particular religious scholar with a definition for neighbor, it shows both the emotion and the call-to-action nature of compassion.

There are many teachings wrapped up in the stories that Jesus told. True, they were simple and easy-to-understand illustrations, but they had a unique way of cutting through the ambiguity and religious fog of the day with a penetrating truth. The neighbor was defined by his compassion. It did not matter that he was not one of the religious scholars (the priest or Levite) or that he was a Samaritan, whom the Jewish people had a long-standing contempt toward. No. What mattered was the compassion and love that was shown to another — and that is what we are called to do.

But how? How do we genuinely show compassion? I think it’s important to remember that compassion starts with an emotional response to some sort of trouble or suffering we see in another person or group, along with our desire to do something about it. There should be some passion in your compassion.

Stepping Toward Transformation:

Many of us have a keen eye for seeing the suffering of others, but we are not so passionate about following the urge to help. Compassion needs to be exercised like a muscle to grow and strengthen. To step into someone’s hurt or struggle feels like a risk. How will my help be received? Will it be the right kind of help? What if I get in over my head? How much time will this take? Is it really worth it? These questions can be valid, but when they keep us from acting on our impulses, they become a barrier to doing good, stretching our faith, and being blessed by experiences.

What suffering do you see (in your neighborhood, community, and world) that stirs something inside you? What if you acted on that stirring in your heart? How can you take some sort of action to help alleviate the suffering you see?