Compassion

 



We had the most beautiful lesson on compassion in Relief Society today by my friend Julie.  Here are some of the thoughts I don't want to forget.


Empathy is feeling what another (to the best of our ability) is feeling.  Compassion is acting on those feelings.  This is the part where many of us get hung up in hesitation. In the action.  


Compassion actually comes from the root words meaning "to suffer with".  So opportunities for compassion are going to be found when we join others in their hard times.  And human failings.  Or when we let others join us in ours. And they will come.


Some people more naturally have compassion than others.  All can gain this gift through intentional practice and divine help.  


There is a powerful force in recognizing that as we offer compassion to others in spite of weaknesses and sin, we can also be more compassionate with ourselves in spite of our own weaknesses and sins.  


Sometimes we will offer compassion and they still won't like us, may still be cruel, or may take advantage.  Love anyway. 


Compassion does not, however, mean not having boundaries and it doesn't mean removing consequences.  It does mean recognizing the inherent worth of all souls and the power of the gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ on those lives if it is accepted.  


It does mean remembering that each of us is greater than our worst moment.  It does mean admitting that we don't know all the circumstances that got someone to that moment.  And it does mean remembering we are all beloved children of Heavenly Parents. 


Following the Savior and embracing compassion as a part of our character changes our hearts and pushes away the distractions and discord of the world and brings us closer to the Savior's promised peace. 


As Elder Soares so aptly declared, "I pray that we will become more long-suffering and understanding of others and that the Lord’s mercy will, in perfect meekness, soothe our impatience with their imperfections. This is the Savior’s invitation to us."


You never know how another's desperate prayers may be answered by your gentle attempts to reflect the Savior's love through compassion. 

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