Live Different: The Values That Set Us ApartSample

Different Through Compassion

Compassion is probably one of the most profound ways we can live differently than the world around us demonstrates. We know that there’s often more to someone’s story than the difficult situation they’re in - things like homelessness, addiction, and abuse. Yet how often are suffering people brushed off with statements like “They made a bad choice,” “They should work harder,” “It can’t be that bad.” Without realizing it, we cast judgement on whether someone deserves to be suffering or not.

Jesus taught the opposite. To real people Jesus encountered and in parables he told, he demonstrated that we should all show mercy and compassion toward others. Why? Because God first showed it to us, whether we deserved it or not.

Compassion is taking kindness to a greater level. Despite whatever reason a person is struggling, compassion means showing mercy, forgiveness, care, and love to others and doing what we can to help them through their struggle without judging or condemning them.

Today, if you encounter someone who is struggling or in a bad situation, think of ways you can show compassion, not condemnation, to them.