Every single one of us struggles with something. No one escapes suffering, no one escapes pain, no one escapes loss. Unfortunately, this world is filled with all kinds of losses: job losses, divorce, loss of relationships, and death. Loss is a part of life.
For everyone.
We begin to develop a compassionate spirit when we realize that your needs are their needs, your losses are their losses, your stresses are their stresses. We are all not so different.
The Bible describes in Ephesians 4:1-32, this type of attitude as useful and helpful.
Compassion enables forgiveness and forgiveness promotes unity and love. So today, notice your judgments, your complaints, your criticisms about yourself and others. And instead of your normal tirade, imagine you are that person, and ask yourself what could they be struggling with that causes them to act the way they do?
Christ had great compassion for us, our weakness, our mistakes and our selfishness! We are charged to do the same for ourselves and for others. Begin today to notice where your own self-judgment lies..this will clue you into maybe where you find fault with others. Forgive yourself, have compassion for yourself, condemnation not only keeps you stuck but also those around you. As you learn to have compassion for yourself, it will become easier to have compassion for others. Compassion, love and grace are the ingredients for growth and change for all of us.