Compassion

I have never really considered myself super compassion nor do I think I am not compassionate at all. I feel like I have a middle of the road approach to compassion. Of course, certain situations call for more compassion and some days I wish I had more. But my heart just isn't quite that soft all the time. I get hurt easy and have learned how to protect my heart, so to speak. It isn't always a blessing, sometimes it is a curse. Right now, I wish I had more compassion. Without giving too much away, cause I have to be careful what I say about my current "job" situation, there are definitely challenging people I see every day. I could quickly become very irritated and frustrated if I do not keep myself in check. It breaks my heart that I get so annoyed. I want to love these people. I want them to grow and learn. I want to help them but it is hard to help someone who does not help themselves. It is hard to respect someone who does not respect you back or respect themselves. It's a challenging that I am still struggling with and probably will the rest of my life.

However, after an especially hard day, I was reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Let me tell you something first. This book is taking forever. I find myself reading the same thing three nights in a row. It is challenging me that much. Anyway, I was reading about lukewarm people and the one way Chan described a lukewarm person was that they only love people who love them back. At that moment I realized that despite myself, despite how those around me treat me, I MUST love them. I must find the strength in me to love them and control myself. And although the next day was still a bit challenging, overall, it was a much better day when I walked into each situation with the mind set to love them and just let what will be, be.

If you find yourself in a similar situation. Reflect back on Christ and our command to love our neighbor, not just our friends. I promise you will see a change in your attitude and how much better you feel after it is over.