The Power of Compassion

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)

Why are people surprised that ancient, Judeo-Christian concepts remain beneficial and medically profound in our complex society? Surprise, it turns out compassion transforms the receiver and the giver. God has weaved the advantages of compassion into our DNA.

In “Reach Out: Compassion Will Help Other People…and Yourself,” Dr. Martha Manning helps us find psychological language and meaning for the ancient gift of compassion. She says, “Compassion is one of the strongest feelings that connect people.” We make a connection when we recognize someone else’s struggle and respond with empathy. Manning reminds us, “We must feel with them.” The link is the divine gift of compassion.

In offering compassion, Manning says we are “Bearing witness,” acknowledging the suffering of others. When we give money to a soup kitchen, we affirm the pain of human suffering and injustice, leading to some having more while others having too little. Our gift bears witness to the injustice. Compassion seems easy at first glance. Yet, it is a series of hard lessons that last a lifetime. The more tenderness we experience, the more doors of injustice and pain God opens for us. God calls us to enter places of pain and brings divine healing.

Today, be specific with your memory. Think of at least five times in the past year when you’ve shown compassion. What prompted your emotional response? How did you respond? How could you have done more now, and how might you have systemically addressed the issue? In answering these questions, we begin to experience the divine power of compassion in a way that will change the world and our hearts.