From Wikipedia: "The etymology of compassion is Latin, meaning, co-suffering. More involved than simple empathy, compassion commonly gives rise to an active desire to alleviate suffering." What I take out of this is that it's not just saying I feel bad for the poor, but it's the action that shows true compassion.
I think we all would say we have compassion for those less fortunate and would love to alleviate their suffering, but we feel rather like the one who challenged the little boy at the shore on why he was bothering to throw starfish into the water (one at a time, at that), with "you can't save them all, there are thousands on this beach . . . you can't possibly make a difference!" And as the boy throws another one in, he responds with, "I made a huge difference for that one!"
6 comments:
I hear you Anneliese. I'm struggling with this as well. We have so much, and we want even more. Show us Lord the difference between want and need and help us to show compassion. Thanks so much for the timely reminder. Irene k.
Such a balancing act! Along with 2 other churches, a Muslim community organization, and a mosque, we are supportin 3 Syrian families in their quest for immigration to Canada. It does not nearly begin to assist the over 1 million refugees starving and living in tents, but a start.
We've been talking about the very same thing Anneliese. We can't help everyone but we can help some.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Well said and much to think about!
I like how you put this. At times, I truly do feel overwhelmed by the needs, but helping a few adds joy to my life. I ask God also, to cause me to stop and think. Thanks for the reminder, in such loving fashion. I find that here so often.
Anneliese - your post resonated with me. I was fortunate to go to Haiti with Compassion International and this definition describes so well what they do through their child sponsorship. My monthly support of one child is a way in which I can make a difference in this hurting world. We might think we are only helping one child but that ripples out into their family, their community, their country and the world.
As your little boy in the story said,
" I made a huge difference to that one!"
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