Show Compassion

There’s no shortage of tragedy in the world.

Whether that’s large-scale tragedies like the wars in Ukraine and Gaza…

…or on a smaller scale, like a fatal hit and run just a few towns over.

There are many ways to respond to tragedy. Unfortunately, in times like ours, the most prominent seem to be polarization or desensitization. 

If we want to be equipped to handle the tragedies of our time then we must reject both of these responses in favor of a third way - compassion.

The Touch of Compassion

Anytime tragedy occurs, we have an opportunity to show compassion. 

To look at another’s suffering, no matter how far removed, and to sympathize (or empathize) with them. 

To acknowledge our shared humanity, fragility, and brokenness.

What compassion enables us to do is see beyond the polarizing barriers that grow deeper and more defined with the years. It enables us to see all that we hold in common. It reveals humanity both in those who have suffered and in those who show such compassion.

When tragedy strikes, indifference, rage, or violence only propels us further into a negative feedback loop, perpetuating many of the horrible things we see on the news each day.

But when tragedy strikes and compassion is the response, we break that vicious cycle. We take a moment of despair and sadness and, without diminishing the necessary feelings surrounding it, imbue that tragedy with hope. 

Hope that we can change for the better. Hope that the worst humanity has to offer doesn’t get to define the trajectory of our lives.

Compassion Incarnate

In Isaiah 30:15, the prophet says this:

Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you,

And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.

For the Lord is a God of justice;

How blessed are all those who long for Him.

Compassion is central to who God is, and so we, as His people, should be quick to show such compassion in the face of global issues.

After all, God Himself looked down on the human tragedy, on the brokenness of our history, and what was His response?

He took on flesh. Came down to our level. And, in compassion, took the accumulated weight of all that was wrong with us and repurposed it into the greatest hope imaginable.

(Remember, He didn’t have to do any of that.)

When tragedy strikes (on a global or local level), we as His Church have the opportunity to do the same (albeit on a smaller scale). Because where there’s compassion, there’s God. 

Tragedy may take lives, but it can never take that.

Come back tomorrow as we conclude our series by talking about faith.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

Theophilus Newsletter