Season words of advice with the spice of compassion
"A vast crowd was there as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he taught them many things."
- Mark 6:34 (NLT)
Several years ago when my son reasoned with me that I didn't understand, I realized I had missed what was really important at that time. In my zeal to give him wise counsel, I overlooked that he had desired a little understanding.
How many times have you felt misunderstood, I asked myself after he left. I could think of many occasions when it seemed others lacked the understanding for what I was going through.
What about you? Haven't there been times in your life when you felt like no one understood where you were coming from, or what you were going through?
It wasn't even that you were doing anything wrong. But you felt like people just didn't understand the pressure you felt from the situation you were in.
Sometimes in our zeal to encourage someone to move forward, we can be quick to give advice without first showing a little loving kindness. As a spouse, friend, parent, or teacher, we can forget to season our words of advice with the spice of compassion. The combination of the two can have powerful impact on someone.
Jesus traveled from town to town to bring instruction and correction so people could make a right choice and be free from the bondage of evil. Bible stories describe his care for the children, his mercy on the poor and needy, and his ability to heal the sick.
People were drawn to him because of his compassionate heart regarding their circumstances. To have a compassionate heart is to turn outward toward others.
When you think you're just not getting through to someone, check and see if you have left out the ingredient of compassion.
The word compassion means: "A feeling of deep sympathy or sorrow for another person's misfortune."
When you're offering your condolences for a recent loss, mix it with some words of kindness. It can lift a troubled heart. When someone wants to share an experience, lend a listening ear mixed with compassion.
As we strive to make this world a better place, let's watch for someone in our path that could use an encouraging word mixed with heartfelt compassion.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Annettee, is available to speak to your church group, business or be your personal coach. Contact her at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.