Compassion involves a strong desire to alleviate suffering - to act. Action can be compelled by other, less generous motives, however, such as feeling good about oneself in the absence of a moral right to do so.
By definition, feeling compelled to act is necessary, but not sufficient, for compassion. Even when your motives are pure, acting without a sensible plan likely will not result in the main target of compassion, alleviating suffering. Action that springs from love and is directed by a sensible approach has a better chance of alleviating suffering, though it is not gaurenteed. Even with the best of intentions and a well-thought out plan, it is not possible to predict the outcome of our actions. The prospect of unintended consequences is always present.
We should not let the fear of unitended consequences prevent us from acting. We must act if we are to be compassionate. Let’s act, and do it circumspectly, considerately, humbly.
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