How do I show compassion? A loving message.
‘A new commandment I give you. Love one another, as I have loved you, so you must love one another.’ John 13:34
During this lockdown we have had to think creatively about loving and caring for one another; dropping goodies at the door, sending messages by text or a face-time calls.
In a wider community context, food banks and support groups online all seek to support those struggling.
Respecting each other, sharing together and loving one another helps create peaceful and flourishing communities.
God calls to us to love one another.
Psalm 86 tells us about God being full of ‘Grace and Compassion’ -it's how he loves.
But what is Compassion? How can I show this in lockdown?
The definition of compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is hurting, in pain, or has misfortune and is accompanied by a strong desire to help the suffering.
So it’s being deeply and genuinely moved by people’s situations and wanting to show love, help and care.
It's not always easy to show compassion, but God loves us, shows and guides us. He wants us all to know his love and care.
In our hearts we are moved by situations. For example, someone not having food, someone needing prayer for healing, a teenager needing an encouraging word or a person who is lonely.
What action steps can we take to show our love and compassion? Some ideas even during a lockdown: donate to food-bank, make a call, listen to each other and pray for healing, encourage each other by sending stickers or dropping off or posting cards or gifts. Share a friendly message. Make a call.
God, help us to show love to those we meet, help us be compassionate to the needs in our communities and families.
Zareena Linney, member of the Christian faith
Date: Monday 15th February 2021
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