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The Cornerstone of Compassion
Several years ago, I spent time living on the streets in Atlanta. Even though I had experienced homelessness, this time I chose to live unhoused to advocate on behalf of the unhoused to get them access to more resources in the city. I went to where the people were and lived life with them. I listened to their concerns and felt their pain. This exposure shifted my viewpoint more than any conversation could.
There is something life changing about being close to and standing with people in solidarity. Opening yourself up to hear the stories of others and what it is like to walk in their shoes is not only what changes us but also what starts us on a path of doing the real work. We live in a time in which it is critical not to rely on hearsay about a community, but to get to know that community. In doing this we come to understand that each one of God’s children has a unique story.
A large part of antiracist work is decentering oneself to understand the perspective of another, remembering the universe does not revolve around us. It is learning how to be with people and to be immersed in their lives so we can learn a new narrative. Seeking to understand is important because it confronts buried history and the present effects from that history. To love our neighbors and neighborhood is to know and understand the issues they face.
It was and still is my belief that real social justice involves having a compassionate heart that springs into action. The church is called to act with compassion. True compassion comprises more than good will. Christ is the greatest example of this. As Galatians 3:28 (ESV) tells us, “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Once we develop compassion, how do we pursue justice? Social justice can be achieved only through intention and being committed to standing with people who are oppressed by systems of injustice.
Prayer
God, remind me to take the focus off me and help me try to understand the perspective of others. Jesus cared for all, but he told a story of a shepherd who left the ninety-nine sheep for the one. May I start with one. Whose story do you want me to understand?
About this Plan
The more you understand someone’s history, the better you can see their humanity. This is true for individuals as well as society at large. As we fill in the gaps of our collective knowledge on race relations, we can grow in understanding, empathy, and solidarity. We can pave the way for society to move beyond showing support from a distance toward loving one another in long-term advocacy and friendship.
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