lessons in humility, compassion and empathy (Full Version)

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slimon11 -> lessons in humility, compassion and empathy (8/23/2008 1:15:16 PM)

I know that hardship is a wonderful teacher and that there is nothing quite like the refiner's fire but...

when life is good, and the future looks bright what are some situations we can put ourselves in, or ways we can increase our humility and compassion for others?

What are some lessons in humility, compassion and empathy that we can teach childern who seem to have a good happy life and bright future?



seeking2knowHimMore -> RE: lessons in humility, compassion and empathy (8/23/2008 1:29:15 PM)

Well, I think that it would be a wonderful thing to take them to a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen, so they can see how many children right here in this country are suffering and poor. Perhaps let them visit the hospital and see children who are being treated for cancer. Or you could allow them to go visit a school for the deaf, blind or children with severe mental deficiencies. We have a friend whose son is deaf and he does the Special Olympics. Maybe that would be a great place to take kids that "have it all." I guess that would be a start. Sometimes it might hit home more if they can see children in their own country; seeing children suffering in African countries is definitely a real world problem, but I think that children look at them as being so "far away."



mvic -> RE: lessons in humility, compassion and empathy (8/23/2008 1:30:49 PM)

There was a notice at work:

Be kind to others on your way up, as you may meet them on the way down.

When things are going well for us it is worth sharing our joys and good fortunes with others. Life may not always be so good and it can easily turn bad: loss of job, divorce, illness, financial difficulties etc ...

The Bible is full of examples about empathy: the Good Samaritan, the rich man and poor Lazarus at his gate etc ...

Sadly, today empathy is in short supply.



slimon11 -> RE: lessons in humility, compassion and empathy (8/23/2008 2:12:03 PM)

Good advice so far, thanks. Let me put another twist on the question:

How can we increase our empathy and compassion for those who are equally blessed; people who are in the body of Christ that may see things a differently than us or, that rub us the wrong way or, that we simply have a hard time liking for one reason or another?



mvic -> RE: lessons in humility, compassion and empathy (8/23/2008 3:53:47 PM)

There was another notice at work:

You have to work with your colleagues. Your contract doesn't say you should like them.

As Christians we're told we should love everyone, yes, even our enemies. Pretty difficult hein ?

Jesus did that. But then, Jesus is God. He loved and forgave those who nailed Him to the Cross.

I am not a god, and no matter how much I try, there are times it is difficult for me to love my neighbour. (Especially when he insists on parking his car infront of my driveway and block me in).

So what do we do with those who "rub us the wrong way" (Lord knows, plenty of those near where I live). What do we do when they are Christian, equally blessed, yet they still get on our nerves?

I pray for them. I can't get angry at someone when I'm praying for them. I say to God: "Maybe it's chemistry, maybe it's something else, but these people get on my nerves. Please bless them and keep them away from me. I'll love them as you asked me to do - but from a distance."



sparkleingsnow -> RE: lessons in humility, compassion and empathy (8/23/2008 4:43:26 PM)

quote:

Original: slimon11

How can we increase our empathy and compassion for those who are equally blessed; people who are in the body of Christ that may see things a differently than us or, that rub us the wrong way or, that we simply have a hard time liking for one reason or another?


This really makes me search my heart in my response to someone on anouther thread. Ouch!
Love them. Pray for them. Pray for myself and my reaction to them. Treat them in a kind and loving way. Try to understand where they are coming from. Even when I have to disagree with them, do it in a kind way. Ask the Lord to work in their heart and mine.



LCannon -> RE: lessons in humility, compassion and empathy (8/23/2008 4:53:40 PM)

Listen to their heart not necessarily their words. Often the 'words' express genuine disappointment, anger or disobedience on their or another's part. People just want someone that genuinely cares about them leaving us a tailor made opportunity to share 'the hope borne of experience' in Christ.



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