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Written by Trevor Hudson, a contemporary South African pastor, author and speaker.

We must not “try harder” to be compassionate! After all, how would you respond to someone who says to you through gritted teeth, “I am really trying hard to be compassionate towards you?” Compassion that is the consequence of effort alone can be heartless.  As we open our hearts to God’s compassion, the divine compassion dwells within us. Now, we need to allow it now to flow through us to those around us. Some questions may help us to explore what this may mean. What would it mean to allow God’s compassion to flow through us at home? Maybe it will mean simply looking at one’s loved ones through the eyes of compassion. Or it will be more practical like helping with the household chores, picking up the dog poo, giving a backrub.  What would it mean to allow God’s compassion to flow through us at work? This can be complex. Getting the job done seems much more important than being compassionate. Could it be, however, that work done well with compassion will always be more creative than when done without it? What would it mean to allow God’s compassion to flow through us in the community? Maybe it will mean being attentive to that “human cry” that stirs our heart most deeply. And then trusting that stirring, opening ourselves to it, and allowing it to lead us towards compassionate action. How can you allow the divine compassion to flow more strongly through you?

Prayer:

Written by Cheryce Rampersad, contemporary Christian author. 

Jehovah Shalom, shower Your grace and tender mercies upon our loving hearts and upon our difficult lives today. Vanquish our iniquities. Clear our thoughts so we can hear the sound of Your great voice as we stand firm and still, awaiting Your instruction.  Give us compassion and humility in our hearts. Let us be kind, gentle, generous, loving, giving, and forgiving wherever we may go. Allow pride to never get the best of us as You fulfill our dreams. Help us not to have a boastful tongue against our brothers. Let humility invade our souls. Allow us to be as compassionate as the air we breathe. Give us the strength to help our brother, especially if he falls by the wayside. Allow us to be a blessing to others as we travel through life’s journey. Aid us in leaving an impact on the people that surrounds us. Change our hearts today, Oh Father, let hatred vanish in Your Holy presence.  We declare and decree that we will follow the example Jesus has set before us, in His Mighty name we pray! Amen and Amen!