I have been pondering the ideas of compassion and empathy. The Bible is very clear that we are to be compassionate toward others and especially those in the household of God. We are to have a burden for souls, desiring to win them to the Lord. A concern that I have had is the misunderstanding that we have about love. Is it loving to rescue a person from their consequences that will teach them to avoid the damaging situation again. When someone has spent the rent money on cigarettes, candy, chips, movies and gambling, should we pay their rent for them? Perhaps it is better to allow them to go through the difficulties they will face when they do not take care of their responsibilites. Too often we mistake selfish emotionalism with compassion. The compassionate thing to do when someone is messing up, is to guide them to the solution and let them make the steps of correction themselves. If I love my neighbor I will do what is best for him, not what makes me feel good. Of course I am not talking about those who have done the right thing and have just fallen on difficult circumstance not of their own making. I believe in being generous with those individuals. There is much said in the Proverbs about this subject. May we show compassion to everyone, according to their need and in accordance with the Word of God.
Blessings,
Gwendolyn
