Compassion.

How can we show compassion?

First we must feel for those who are suffering.

If we have suffered ourselves we can empathize with others who are suffering.

To show compassion is to act to relieve suffering in some way.

A kind word, a phone call, a visit, listening, patience, sympathy, and love.

These are the things of compassion.

To do this we must overcome our fears
Fear of being taken advantage of.  Fear of being abused.  Fear of violence.  Fear of death.  Fear of our own inadequacy.

These things can be overcome by faith.
Faith in a higher power.

And faith that by acting compassionately we are participating with the compassionate author of the universe.


Photo Credit: World Bank Photo Collection via Compfight cc