X: I have such natural compassion for my brother who is hurting. I want to have that same compassion for Crystal.
Having love for our friends and family is natural. In the same way, showing them compassion when they are hurting is a natural response. These are good. Not too exceptional, but good. As we know, many non-believers and even some bad guys seem to be able to do this well.
Jesus calls us to exceptional love and mercy – from loving our enemies to showing compassion to a suffering person from another culture. Not too many bad guys doing this. It is hard even for believers. Yet, when we follow Jesus, that’s where he’ll lead us, if we listen and pay attention. So, what is X to do?
Option a: Drop in to the heart, ask God to make you compassionate toward Crystal, then listen. Once the distractions are tamed you will get some impressions of what to do. Then do it. Warning, it likely will be something bold and different.
Option b: Take the information you have about Crystal and meditate on it. Ask God to help you see Crystal like he does. Meditate on what he shows you.
Option c: Go meet with Crystal. Go with a prayerful attitude that the Spirit will help you see Crystal like he does. Look Crystal in the eye and listen attentively to her story. Put yourself in her shoes and meditate on it. Follow the spirit’s leading.
Option d: …
2 comments:
I feel I have a long way to travel before I get to the place where I have compassion for Crystal like I do my brother. Mostly because it takes real tragedy in my brothers life to even move me. The world has hardened me. My heart is rarely broken for anyone. Oh that I may let God transform my heart. I know He wants to.
I feel certain that the reason it is difficult to speak about the direction I am heading is because I am still on the side of the ridge. I am moving toward the top and the closer I get the more courage I will have to speak. For now I am thankful for direction, community & Gods ever present call to keep heading His direction.
Thank you Jesus!
It make sense that we would have an intense level of compassion for those we love deeply. Maybe would shouldn't be so hard on ourselves for not having that same level of intensity for others.
The point may be that compassion is a form of love. If we do not feel compassion for someone, it may be an indication that we do not love them like we should.
God is impartial, so he loves everyone. We tend to be partial. God can use our practice with people like Crystal and her family to show us our hearts. That seems to be a good first step. It seems that we also need to understand God's heart toward people in general, and Crystal and her family in particular.
I love God because of who he is. He is love. He is compassion. I am on his side and want to learn to join what he is doing.
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