Compassion in Many Forms

It is said of President Biden one of his strengths is his ability to express compassion to those who are suffering. Fueled by his experiences of grieving both personally and in his various capacities of service as a former Vice-President and a Congressman, it is said he has a deep understanding of the pain that comes from loss in tragedy. What is happening to the Ukraine people is as extreme as possible as an example of tragedy. President Biden’s compassion through his ability to bring comfort is on full display in the picture above.

The child pictured above was wounded as Russian soldiers opened fire on her vehicle without warning as they approached a checkpoint. Her car full of innocent refugees was attacked while trying to make their way to safety in Poland. Once Russian soldiers realized their mistake, they had compassion on their victims by providing first aid to the young girl and arranging for an ambulance transport to the nearest hospital where she underwent surgery.

The teen pictured above survived a fiery explosion when the car he and his mother were in ran over what is believed to be a land mine. His mother died on the scene of the attack as he witnessed her on fire. John Berman, CNN news anchor, after conducting a compassionate interview with the teen, requested he play his guitar. Playing one of the only possessions the teen had left brought a slight smile to his face. Berman’s comment was to encourage all to do whatever it takes to make these innocent people “smile again”.

Compassion takes many forms in an environment like that of Ukraine. Whether it is through a president, a repentant soldier or a news correspondent, compassion can be delivered in a hug, an action or simply a kind word. Compassion is a requirement for people of faith because it is part of the nature of the God of our faith. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32) Compassion is birthed from a heart of forgiveness. One cannot act compassionately with a heart filled with anger, bitterness and unforgiveness. We forgive because we have been forgiven. Because we have been forgiven, we act with compassion to others. It is one of those intersections of the natural with the supernatural that births faith in us. God’s compassion never fails (Lamentations 3:22). God is the father of compassion and the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:23-4). We are to clothe ourselves in compassion. (Colossians 3:12) We are to “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn”. (Romans 12:15) We are to show mercy and compassion to one another as people of faith. (Zechariah 7:9-10) Let’s not wait for a war to live a life of compassion. Let’s exercise compassion every day with every opportunity. Showing compassion can be a statement of faith without saying a word.