According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, compassion is the “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” There are numerous synonyms (empathy, pity, concern) but what sets compassion apart is the call to action. It is not just feeling for somebody else, it’s stepping into their situation and doing something. When I think of Jesus showing compassion toward others, it is compassion and……something.
For whatever the reason, how often do I look past someone deserving of compassion because I can’t be bothered? We don’t have the capacity to step into every situation, but God does place people in our lives that we need to pay attention to. I pray that I will remain attentive to those opportunities and invest in them.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10