Show a little compassion when listening to others

"Clothe yourselves with compassion ..."

- Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

I listened as the young man expressed his hurt over his job loss.

He was angry and frightened. Where would he get the financial support he needed? All of his friends were doing well at their jobs and just couldn't seem to relate to what he was going through. He was looking for answers - and a bit of compassion.

Many of us can look back at times in our lives when we felt like no one understood where we were coming from, or what we were going through.

It wasn't even that we were doing anything wrong. But we felt like people just didn't understand the pressure we felt from our situation.

Sometimes, in our zeal to encourage someone to move forward, we can be quick to give advice without first showing a little kindness. As a spouse, friend, parent, or teacher, we can forget to season our words of advice with compassion. The combination of the two can have a powerful impact on someone.

Jesus traveled from town to town to meet the needs of the people. 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 his compassionate heart.

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, mixing it with words of kindness, shows compassion. When someone wants to share an experience, lending a listening ear, mixed with compassion, shows you care.

Part of our daily routine is to get dressed so we can go about our business. We choose our attire according to the occasion. Some of us are more attentive to our wardrobe than others.

Some choose comfort, while others look for the latest trend in fashion. Many select attire required to perform their jobs.

Just as we're mindful of what we wear for the day, we need to be mindful of what spiritual attitude we put on, as well.

Each day, while getting dressed, remember to clothe yourself with an attitude of love and compassion.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.