It is sometimes very difficult to be compassionate. We can be so caught up in our own daily lives, our own trials, frustrations, and busyness, that we don’t even think of the suffering of others, much less do something to alleviate it. Bishop Joseph Butler, an 18th century British pastor, had this to say about how compassion turns our focus outward:
“But since in many cases, it is very much in our power to alleviate the miseries of each other… and men, for the most part, are so engaged in the business and pleasures of the world, as to overlook and turn away from objects of misery; which are plainly considered as interruptions to them in their way, as intruders upon their business, their gaiety and mirth; compassion is an advocate within us in their behalf; to gain the unhappy admittance and access, to make their case attended to.”
The Compassion of Christ
Take a few minutes now or later, when you get a chance, to read and reflect on these passages, and then answer the question that follows (you can access these passages by clicking on them):
What do you observe about the compassion of Jesus in these passages? Take a few minutes and think about this, or jot your reflections down in a journal.
Compassion and Action
Compassion is not just a feeling. It is a Christian virtue. As such, it will lead us to act. South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu agrees:
“Compassion is not just feeling with someone, but seeking to change the situation. Frequently people think compassion and love are merely sentimental. No! They are very demanding. If you are going to be compassionate, be prepared for action!”
And Joseph Butler, again:
“When we rejoice in the prosperity of others, and compassionate their distresses, we, as it were, substitute them for ourselves, their interest for our own; and have the same kind of pleasure in their prosperity and sorrow in their distress, as we have…upon our own.”
I love that Butler uses the word “compassionate” as a verb here; that seems entirely appropriate. Compassion is not just feeling bad for or suffering with another. It is also a matter of what we do.
Cultivating Compassion
There is a lot to say here, but three things stick out to me as being important ways that we can begin to develop the compassion of Jesus. First, consider presence. We must be present in the lives of others who suffer, rather than avoid them or minimize their pain. We must intentionally enter into it, mourning with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). This may be difficult, but it is essential. This means we may need to cross the street, go across town, or even across an ocean.
Second, I have found that putting my imagination to work has helped me to develop compassion and actually do something to help those who suffer. (See Hebrews 13:3 and Matthew 25:34-40 for Scriptural support for using the imagination in this way.) Watching movies is one way to do this. Films like Blood Diamond, Hotel Rwanda, and Romero are not easy to watch, but they can help us use our God-given capacity for imagination to grow in compassion.
Third, our churches should be communities of compassion. We should reach out to those who are suffering in our communities. We should also look for opportunities to show compassion to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. It can be uncomfortable, and frustrating, but if we want to follow in the steps of Christ we can’t do it alone. We need to work together as His body to serve others with compassion.
Questions for Further Reflection and Application
1. What barriers to compassion do you find most present in your own life? Any of those mentioned by Joseph Butler, or something different? How might you work to overcome those barriers? Who could you talk with about this?
2. When might we dismiss the suffering of others, rather than have compassion on them?
3. Should we have compassion on people when we judge that in some sense they deserve their suffering? Why or why not? How might the compassion of Christ help us answer this question?
4. Is compassion a matter of charity, or a matter of justice?
5. What can we do to encourage compassion in our homes? Churches? Broader communities?
Application
What is one thing that you can take away from this study as your next step in cultivating the compassion of Christ? Spend a few minutes in thought and prayer over this question, and then decide upon a concrete next step to take.