When we read the biblical accounts of Jesus’ life on earth we hear many times that Jesus 'had compassion'. But that is always the beginning of the story. Each time Jesus felt compassion for people he was driven to act. His compassion led him to heal, feed, restore sight, meet needs and care for the people around Him.
Compassion is described as ‘a multi-textured response to pain, sorrow and anguish. It includes kindness, empathy, generosity and acceptance. The strands of courage, tolerance, equanimity are equally woven into the cloth of compassion. Above all, compassion is the capacity to open to the reality of suffering and to aspire to its healing’. (The Centre for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education)
The media regularly calls out the younger generation for being entitled, me-first and self-absorbed, but we don’t have to accept that this cannot be changed. When families and schools work together, we can have a huge impact on the development of compassion in our children and young people. Strategies to develop compassion include:
Not only does compassion have a huge impact on the community; compassion impacts the giver as well. Research shows that people who are kind and compassionate are happier and more content with their lives, have better physical and mental health and feel more connected. As we work to help our young people let God’s love flow from them in acts of compassion and kindness, we set them up for a life of meaning, impact and happiness.
‘Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.’ 1 Peter 3:8-9
Mrs Deb Cooper
Principal
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