Compassion: A Sacred Kindness
Jesus saw the crowds and had compassion on them. He knew why he was there and he understood the ones who would need his sacred work of healing and forgiveness. He knew the ones who knew. Jesus, the Giver, felt connection.
He did not simply tilt his head, sigh, and say “it’ll all work out.”. Jesus felt their pain, their poverty, their burning hearts, their dry bones, their heavy thoughts. In my own mind, he would have fallen to one knee and quietly whispered an agreement with the Father and Spirit to bring redemption. “Let’s do this.” I love him so much for that. Compassion compelled him.
Compassion must begin with connection. To see a need, engage the emotions, and act is a sacred kindness. We must move through all three parts. We see clearly by asking questions and listening to stories. We remember the times we felt the same fear, disappointment, anger, or loneliness. We choose to share our presence and resources in a way that multiplies the goodness of God.
Jesus is listening to our prayers, speaking wisdom, and doing what he can to comfort. There is no substitute. But we also need a gentle hand on our backs, a warm meal in our bellies, and a friendly face to look us in the eye, and say “I’m here now.” A friend who feels the weight but not the panic can think clearly and act effectively on behalf of the one she loves. That’s what we all need. We need a friend to carry the burden so we can rest; create margin for gathering spiritual strength so that we can endure. We take turns in the giving and receiving. It’s a part of the sacred life we share in Secondhand Saint.
Compassion is deeply connected to the divine nature of Jesus. When we agree to connect and carry the suffering that wasn’t assigned to us, we are aligning our fingers and palms to the scars on his hands.
There is no greater love than this.
WHAT I WANT TO REMEMBER:
Remember a time when you received sacred kindness. What factors made it memorable? Is there a person in your life right now that could use the same kindness you once received?