Learning Compassion

I’m learning that to show compassion means deeply understanding that I am my brother’s keeper.

I am my brother’s keeper. I’m learning that the Bible is very clear that we are to be our brother’s keeper. We are to extend our hands in love to those in need, beginning with those in the fellowship of the Church (Galatians 6:10). We are given examples, plainly showing how Christ took care of the needs of others. In His loving-kindness He healed the sick and comforted the brokenhearted.

“You, O LORD, will not withhold Your compassion from me; Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me” (Psalm 40:11, New American Standard Bible throughout).

Showing compassion

With that in mind, how can we show compassion to others? What can we do to give assistance to those in need? We all have trials and need help from time to time. Are we asking our Father how we can give to those in need? When a need arises that we know we can fill, do we jump willingly at the opportunity?

Doors will open up when we go to our Father and ask, “How can I be of better service to You and to others today?” Many times we are unaware of the needs of others because we are too wrapped up in our own lives and have not made room to help those around us. Compassion is an attitude that we will grow in as we draw closer to God, asking Him to guide and lead our lives.

“He will have compassion on the poor and needy, and the lives of the needy he will save” (Psalm 72:13).

Compassion on the walking wounded

We have the “walking wounded” all around us in our churches and in this world—people who through life’s circumstances and trials are mentally, emotionally and spiritually wounded. They have been traumatized, have been drained of energy and have lost the ability to reach out to others. Many times their experiences leave them feeling hopeless. Often they are misunderstood and judged harshly.

A superior, judgmental attitude will not bring us closer to God or others. We are not here on this journey to judge our brothers and sisters. We are not here to shame them because they are not doing everything we think they should be doing.

Everyone has a story to tell—a struggle, a trial or a series of trials he or she is going through. Being a Christian does not mean we are exempt from feeling the sting of illness, disappointments, financial burdens, marriage and family problems and on and on.

It is easy to get bogged down with our own cares and worries. Yet we are here for a higher purpose, and God wants us to be our brother’s keeper. He wants us to be in tune with the needs of others. He is there for us every minute of every day. He guides and teaches us when we diligently seek Him. We must be close to God, being led by His Spirit, so that, when a need arises, we are there for others in the way that God wants us to be.

Many of us would have to admit that being on the giving side can be much more comfortable than being on the receiving side. It’s good to keep that in mind as we give.

Life can change on a dime

We are to develop tender mercies toward one another. In order to do that, we have to be willing to step out of our comfort zones and find out what others’ needs are. We are here to learn lessons, valuable lessons that will prepare us for the Kingdom of God.

I am reminded over and over in this life that this evil world is not our home. We are only here to learn to walk as Jesus walked. When Jesus was here, He served all people. The Bible says He had compassion. Over and over again, we see how God had compassion for others and gave them what they needed.

What about us? Do we pray for opportunities to bless others? Do we ask our Father in Heaven—who knows every need of everybody—to direct us to help those in need? We have a responsibility to live as Christ lived. The examples in the Bible point to the fact that Christ had an abundance of mercy. He truly loved people. We know His ultimate example of love and compassion was dying to pay the penalty for our sins. He wants us to learn to love others as He loves us.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

So, I continue to ask myself: Am I my brother’s compassionate keeper?

For more about God’s way of love, see “The 10 Commandments for Today.”

Lori Bryant attends the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, in Joplin, Missouri, with her two children, Kayla and Andrew.