Eckart Tolle is credited with saying
“If you had not suffered as you have, there would be no depth to you as
human beings. No Humility, No compassion”. We all know that
when we suffer from something in our lives, we develop a special compassion for
those who have suffered the same thing. It is awesome to see when someone
uses a negative event in their life, to help others. I know of a
family who lost their son to depression many years ago, and have committed over
30 years to helping others cope with similar deaths. This is an amazing
example of someone using a personal struggle to help others, and allow Christ
to live in them. We all know of examples where something similar has
happened. When we struggle, it humbles us, and thus compassion is often
the result. James 5:11 says “As you
know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s
perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is
full of compassion and mercy.” It’s hard at times to have compassion
on those who bring struggles on themselves, or who have offended us in some
way. However, the next time we have trouble having compassion, remember Jesus
on the cross. What if he had said, “Why should I be mocked, spat upon,
beaten, and crucified for these people who continue to sin?” He could have
chosen to not have compassion on us, and avoid the cross all together.
Think about refusing to forgive, and show compassion towards others, and then
facing Jesus one day. How can we expect him to show compassion at that
time, when we have refused to forgive others because of pride and arrogance?
Application: Look for an opportunity to show
compassion to someone this week.