Compassion

Focus

The transformational love of God calls us into a life of love — one that is primarily marked by compassion. Before you move on to the rest of this devotional, spend some time visualizing what it looks like to live compassionately.

Listen

Henri Nouwen — Compassion

"Compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into places of pain, to share in brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish. Compassion challenges us to cry out with those in misery, to mourn with those who are lonely, to weep with those in tears.

Compassion requires us to be weak with the weak, vulnerable with the vulnerable, and powerless with the powerless. Compassion means full immersion in the condition of being human.”

Apply

By Jesus' standard, our purpose is not achieved by how much money we can make, the materials we possess, excellence among our peers, or career achievements. It is the measure of compassion that flows from us and extends to others, regardless of the individual, situation, or circumstance.

What would your life look like if this kind of compassion radically defined it?

What would be the same as it is now? What would be different?

Respond

As you contemplate the Christian calling and purpose of compassion, pray this prayer:

Lord God, thank you for the compassion, grace, and mercy you have shown me. Fill me with your Spirit: your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Amen.