Overcoming Practical Barriers to Demonstrating Compassion
As we strive to embody the compassion of our Lord, who wept with those who wept and bore the sins of many, we often find ourselves hindered by practical barriers that prevent us from showing this kind of love. One of the primary obstacles is our own self-centeredness, which can lead us to prioritize our own needs and desires above the needs of others, as the apostle Paul warns us against in Philippians 2:3-4, where he exhorts us to consider others more significant than ourselves. When we are consumed by our own problems and concerns, it can be difficult to look outward and see the struggles of those around us, to "weep with those who weep" as Romans 12:15 encourages.
Another significant barrier is our fear of getting entangled in the messy and often complicated lives of others, which can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout. As Jesus taught in Matthew 11:28-30, taking on the burdens of others can be a heavy load, but it is one that He promises to help us carry. However, when we are not grounded in the truth of God's sovereignty and goodness, as declared in Psalm 107:1 and Romans 8:28, we can become overwhelmed by the weight of others' struggles, and our fear of being overwhelmed can cause us to retreat from showing compassion. Furthermore, our own experiences of hurt and betrayal can also make us wary of opening ourselves up to the possibility of being wounded again, as the Psalmist cries out in Psalm 55:12-14, highlighting the pain of betrayal by a close friend.
Despite these barriers, we are called to press on in showing compassion, just as our Lord did, who was moved by the crowds' desperation and taught us to pray for workers to be sent into the harvest field in Matthew 9:36-38. As we seek to follow in His footsteps, we must continually remind ourselves of the gospel's power to transform our hearts and empower us to love others as He has loved us, as 1 John 4:19 reminds us. By fixing our eyes on the Lord and trusting in His strength, we can overcome these practical barriers and show the kind of compassion that reflects the very heart of our Savior, who came not to be served, but to serve, as Mark 10:45 so beautifully declares. As we do, we will find that our hearts are transformed, and we are empowered to love others with the same compassion and kindness that our Lord has shown us.