Lately, my world has turned upside down. It began as a concern that my dog, Jake, was experiencing seizures. This led to devastating news. At 10 years old, my Newfie mix was diagnosed with kidney disease, neurological problems, and muscle loss. Suddenly, our world of just the two of us became uncertain. The realization that life may be shorter than expected has been heartbreaking.
MY COMPASSION DEEPENED
But in the middle of that pain, something unexpected happened. The little things Jake does no longer seem small at all. The quiet moments beside him. The way he looks at me. His presence. His trust. My compassion for him has deepened, and somehow my love for him has grown even stronger through his diagnosis. I am more aware of Jake than ever before, and I value every moment with him.
WHO DO WE MISS SEEING?
This has caused me to think about people. How many people do we pass every day who we value and are totally aware of? Somehow, I missed some of Jake’s symptoms even though I thought I had a compassionate heart for him. Do we miss noticing when people are struggling? Some carry emotional pain no one sees. Others battle physical illness, grief, fear, loneliness, or burdens they never openly mention. So often we move quickly through life, unaware of the silent suffering around us. Our compassion for others is either short-lived or nonexistent.
COMPASSION = ACTION
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan. A man had been beaten, robbed, and left wounded on the side of the road. Several people passed by and kept going, choosing not to stop. They decided to avoid the man. Their compassion was nonexistent. But one passerby, a Samaritan, saw the wounded stranger and wanted to help. The Samaritan was moved with compassion, which propelled him to act. He helped the stranger by caring for his wounds and getting him to safety. The Samaritan did not ignore suffering when it became inconvenient. His compassion translated into action.
Jesus told that story to teach us what compassion truly looks like. I believe Jesus still calls us to live that way today, to notice individuals whom others overlook. He compels believers to carry compassion into a world that often moves too fast to notice pain.
I know Jake’s illness will get worse, and my time with him won’t be forever. But the love I have for him has grown so deeply. In these last two weeks, Jake’s illness has reminded me that compassion matters. Patience matters. Presence matters. The small moments matter. And perhaps many people we meet are fighting a battle we cannot see. Maybe one of the greatest lessons suffering teaches us is how to love more gently. So today, may we choose compassion first.
CHALLENGE
Challenge: for one week, daily reflect on these verses. Ask God if this is the standard you are allowing the Holy Spirit to use in how you respond to people. Ask Him to both empower you and convict you every time you avoid expressing compassion.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).
“Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).