According to dictionary.com, the word compassion simply means to have a feeling of deep sympathy and sorry for another who has been stricken with misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. So what does it mean to be compassionate? Well that is a good question, so once again we will refer to dictionary.com's list of definitions. According to dictionary.com, the word compassionate means to have or show compassion: as in a compassionate person or letter. The word compassion has so many meanings and implications to many different people, and if you ask one person what it means to them, and ask another individual the same question, chances are you will receive a different answer.
For me, being compassionate is something more than mere words on a page, on a screen, or thoughts in our minds, compassion and being compassionate is an action word. If we are to change our lives for the better, we have to take the necessary steps, simply saying that I plan on graduating from college will get me no where close to attaining that goal; however, if I call colleges and universities in my area, meet with staff and counselors, and take steps to enroll then I have taken the steps which will bring me to that goal. Showing love and compassion is exactly the same way, we must take the steps that transform these words on a page or computer screen to words that actually begin to show that we are compassionate and sympathetic, and that we do feel empathy for those who are hurting or in need of help.
The main theme of my blog is to encourage others to get up and chase after their dreams; however, the fact is that if the individual doesn't know and understand how to turn simple words into actions, the likelihood of attaining these dreams will be nearly impossible. Simple everyday things such as reading a book or a set of directions means nothing if the individual does not actively follow the directions or place him or herself within the pages of the book to experience what is being read. The same principles can be placed into any situation in life, we must experience everything life has to offer, both good and bad, before we can truly understand what others may be going through, and before we can truly begin to show sympathy, empathy, and compassion.
I Peter 3:8-9 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Recently, I have had the honor and pleasure of spending time with individuals and families who are or have experienced some of the worst of what the world has to offer; however, after experiencing some of these things in my own life, I more than prepared to minister to these families, I actually felt their pain, I cried when they cried; the sadness and grief they felt, I felt right along with them because I had been there too. By the grace of God, I was able to share with them words of encouragement, comfort, and love. The point I am attempting to make is this, no matter what you have gone through, or where you have been in your life, there is a purpose behind it, and if you grab a hold of it, you can use these experiences for good instead of a hindrance, let these events be a source of encouragement for you. Last but not least, these words were written to encourage you to keep pushing, regardless of whether you believe in God or not, you must understand that life is bigger than the sadness we feel or the unfortunate event from our past, you are bigger than that bad day or that loved one who treated like less than a person keep pushing towards your goal, and please just give Jesus a chance to make himself known in your life.
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