Compassion

Compassion goes beyond empathy.

Empathy is when we feel another’s pain. Once we learn to be good listeners and observers, others will sense this and start sharing. But we have to be careful. This can also lead to burnout.

Compassion is when we feel people’s pain or see their needs and we do something about it. This takes more work than empathy AND it is more sustainable. The joy we get from helping others protects us from burnout. We are created to act with compassion.

We use the authority Jesus gives us as part of our normal life. We pray blessings on people, often without them being aware of it. We send evil spirits packing. We ask for God’s will to be done in another’s life.

1. Spend time with Jesus in the early morning.

2. Bless people in the day.
     a. Whether we physically help people,
     b. or we talk with them,
     c. or we bless them silently,
     d. we take the opportunities that feel right.

• Situations change when we are around. 
• We use the authority Jesus gave us. 
• Compassion is within our reach.
• It brings us joy.

3. Encourage other people to shine their lights in dark places.
     a. Jesus gave us all authority but people are timid.
     b. Often they need someone to give them permission.
     c. Encourage others. Give them permission to bless people.
     d. Then listen to their stories.

4. This is the path of abundant life.

Your experience?