Skip to content

ASSIST NEWS

Aid to Special Saints in Strategic Times

Primary Menu
  • Dan Wooding, Founder
  • Our Writers
  • Story Archive
  • Contact Us
  • Log In
Live
  • Home
  • ANS Reports
  • Inspirational
  • We need more compassion in a divided world
  • Inspirational

We need more compassion in a divided world

Carol Round September 9, 2018 3 min read

By Carol Round, Special to ASSIST News Service  GROVE, OKLAHOMA  

 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others”—Philippians 2:4 (ESV).

 They watched the stranger stumble and drop to his knees. He was obviously in distress.

I listened as a friend of mine shared a story of coming to a stranger’s aid. Recently, she and her husband were leaving a store when they noticed a man jogging on the sidewalk nearby.

Concern for their fellow man, one God had placed in their path, led them to pull over to offer assistance. During the course of the conversation, they learned he was from out-of-town. He was staying at a nearby hotel, where he planned to meet with his mother later that day.

Although a call to 911 was offered, the visitor assured them he would be fine. Her husband provided him a bottle of cold water and led him to a bench in a shaded area. Before leaving, they assisted him back inside to the hotel’s coolness and safety. In that short encounter, the stranger shared a small part of his life story, including past life trials and concerns about his health

Their paths will probably never cross again. However, I’m sure the man will never forget this couple’s compassion.

Compassion means when we recognize the suffering of others, we take action to help. Two key words: recognize and take action.

The Bible defines compassion in several ways. Proverbs 31:8-9 reads, “Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Help people who are in trouble. Stand up for what you know is right, and judge all people fairly. Protect the rights of the poor and those who need help.”

Isn’t that what Jesus did every day of His ministry? He not only taught it, He lived it. He was never too busy to recognize the needs of others and to take action when needed.

Pastor John MacArthur says, “Remember that even Jesus’ most scathing denunciation—a blistering diatribe against the religious leaders of Jerusalem in Matthew 23—ends with Christ weeping over Jerusalem. Compassion colored everything He did.”

How can we become more compassionate in our divided world? Here are seven ways, according to “The Power of Positivity” website:

  1. Accept disagreements and differing opinions. We’re diverse individuals with different opinions. It’s a part of what makes for an interesting world.
  2. Don’t just hear, listen to others. Look them in the eye. Provide feedback.
  3. Empathize with others. Put yourself in their shoes.
  4. Volunteer for a greater purpose. Real change happens when we take action, and in many instances, time is more precious than money.
  5. Demonstrate acceptance. You don’t necessarily have to agree with someone; but, you can accept and respect the other person for their humanity.
  6. Practice acts of kindness. When we do something small each day to make someone’s life better, it will eventually become a habit, done without thought and effort.
  7. Commit to a morning ritual of gratitude. Taking time each morning to appreciate life and what we’ve been given helps us to see others through the compassionate eyes of Jesus.

Yes, we have a need for more compassionate action.

I always love hearing from my readers. Please feel free to email me at carol@carolaround.com or stop by my blog at www.carolaround.com for more inspiration.

Photo credit: https://www.collective-evolution.com

Avatar photo

Carol Round

After a 30-year teaching career, Carol Round found redirection as a Christian columnist, blogger, author, and inspirational speaker. She is the author of nine books, all available at Amazon.com. (See her website at https://carolaround.com for more information). She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, working in her yard, volunteering, shooting photos, hiking, going on mission trips and playing with her spoiled rotten dog, Harley.

See author's posts

Tags: acts of kindness Bible definition of compassion compassion compassionate action empathy

Continue Reading

Previous: God’s at Work in the White Space
Next: Why did He Believe Jesus Was a Fairy Tale?

Related Stories

‘Jesus Revolution’ movie: ’60s turmoil, radical responses
4 min read
  • ANS Feature
  • ANS Reports
  • Culture
  • Inspirational

‘Jesus Revolution’ movie: ’60s turmoil, radical responses

February 18, 2023
There’s Hope for the Brokenhearted brokenhearted
3 min read
  • ANS Feature
  • Inspirational

There’s Hope for the Brokenhearted

February 10, 2023
Colorado football coach Sanders’ unabashed faith
4 min read
  • ANS Reports
  • Culture
  • Inspirational

Colorado football coach Sanders’ unabashed faith

February 1, 2023
Support Assist News

Introduction To Assist News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=mbFxZL-bL7g

Search

Support Assist News
  • Dan Wooding, Founder
  • Our Writers
  • Story Archive
  • Contact Us
  • Log In
Copyright ASSIST NEWS © All rights reserved. | MoreNews by AF themes.

logo

Get Updates in Your Inbox