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Laina Makuzha
LOVE by DESIGN
A new month such as this, quite like the dawn of a new day, brings new hope and another opportunity to do things differently and better.
I am particularly excited about this one as it also marks the beginning of the fourth quarter of the year.
Instead of seeing the infamous “half empty” glass, I like to see the great potential that lies before us.
The year is not over until it is over. There is still much to be accomplished if one will open their heart to new possibilities and much to be grateful to God for.
So, as we step into the new month, which also marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of compassion in our lives.
Compassion is like the glue that keeps us together, fostering understanding and empathy in our romantic relationships, marriages, and workplaces. This week, I make a call to compassion inspired by the Breast Cancer Awareness month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Out of love and compassion for ourselves and our loved ones, we should all get ourselves checked and encourage our loved ones to do the same. Early detection can save lives, and showing compassion in this way, as well as learning more about how to be supportive, can make a significant difference.
Compassion in romantic relationships and marriages
Romantic relationships and marriages thrive on mutual understanding and empathy. Compassion in these contexts means being attuned to your partner’s needs, feelings, and experiences. It involves listening without judgment, offering support during tough times, and celebrating each other’s successes.
The school of Modern Psychology puts it this way: “It goes beyond simply feeling sympathy or pity for someone and involves a genuine desire to alleviate the person’s suffering. In relationships, compassion involves being aware of your partner’s feelings, needs, and struggles, and taking the initiative to address them with understanding and care.”
With so much hatred and animosity reported in the news these days, the Bible offers profound wisdom on compassion. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you”. This verse highlights the importance of kindness and forgiveness, which are essential components of compassion.
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion”, says the Dalai Lama in his book “The Art of Happiness,” in which he emphasises that true happiness stems from a compassionate heart. This principle is especially relevant in romantic relationships, where both partners’ happiness tends to be intertwined.
Compassion among colleagues
Not to be ignored, in the workplace this can significantly improve the work environment and productivity, as well as team bonding. When colleagues show compassion towards one another, it inevitably creates a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. It does not even have to take much of one’s energy.
This can be as simple as offering a listening ear to a stressed co-worker or helping someone meet a tight deadline as opposed to the school kids type of taunting and bullying of the seemingly “weaker”, timid or meek. The Bible speaks to this in Colossians 3:12 — Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience”.
In my view, these virtues are not only beneficial in personal relationships but also in professional settings. Contemporary author Daniel Goleman, in his book: “A Force for Good,” discusses the impact of compassion in the workplace. He argues that compassionate leaders create more resilient and motivated teams. Goleman writes, “Compassion is not just some Sunday school niceness; it’s important for attacking social issues.” This perspective underscores the broader societal impact of compassion.
God’s compassion and our call to be compassionate
We are also entering that season, the festive season that seems to inspire compassion and charitable acts. What better time to think about how we can show love. The Bible is replete with examples of God’s compassion. Psalm 103:13 says, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him”. God’s compassion is a model for us to follow. He is described as “full of compassion and mercy” in James 5:16, reminding us that our actions should reflect His love and mercy.
I am intrigued by the Compassionate Love Scale for Humanity (CLS-H), which was developed to measure compassion towards strangers who need help and/or are vulnerable, though we will not go into detail on it in this particular article.
Practical steps to cultivate compassion
Cultivating compassion requires intentional effort. I picked a few practical steps to help us develop a more compassionate heart:
Practice active listening: Pay full attention to the person speaking, without interrupting or planning your response. This shows that you value their feelings and experiences.
Show empathy: Try to understand things from the other person’s perspective. This can help you respond more sensitively to their needs.
Offer Help: Look for opportunities to assist others, whether through small acts of kindness or more significant gestures.
Forgive: Let go of grudges and be willing to forgive. Holding onto anger only harms you and hinders your ability to show compassion.
Reflect on God’s compassion: Spend time in prayer and meditation, reflecting on the ways God has shown compassion to you. Let this inspire you to be more compassionate towards others.
Compassion is a powerful force that can transform our relationships and our world. By embracing compassion, we not only improve the lives of those around us but also enrich our own lives. Let us strive to be more compassionate, following the example of God.
Reflect and share
I invite you to reflect on your own life. Where can you show more compassion? Is there a relationship that could benefit from a little more understanding and empathy, maybe parents and children, husband and wife, maybe between boyfriends and girlfriends or among siblings?
Share your thoughts and experiences on this topic. Let’s create a community where compassion is at the forefront of our interactions.
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