1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
We can define the word compassion as an emotion. It is “to suffer together.” That is to say, when we feel compassion, we have a feeling or emotion of empathy. In this way, feeling compassion is also something spiritual. Compassion is also important in relationships with others. In most cases, it is something learned within the family environment. To be compassionate allows us to be friendlier, less judgmental and less critical of others. To be compassionate is to be realistic in regard to our own inclinations and abilities. It helps us to recognize and accept our errors and to be tolerant with ourselves in the same way as we are with others. Compassion helps us to develop necessary, healthy self-esteem. In this way it allows for growth as individuals, and helps with self-control in times of crisis.
How can you teach your children to be compassionate?
- Love them unconditionally, and be compassionate when correcting their errors even though you cannot accept their conduct.
- Teach them generosity as an important value, especially when someone is going through a time of need. Teach them to be generous without considering the social status or racial background of the other person. This approach will allow them to draw near to the pain of others.
- Teach them how to love God. Always remind them that we love because he first loved us, and it is only his love that allows us to love others.
- Teach your children to love themselves in a healthy way. Teach them not to be selfish and to accept their own virtues and defects in a realistic way.
- Teach them that to be compassionate will help them have an optimistic perspective on life. It is necessary to develop a compassionate attitude with yourself in order to have good personal development and a successful life.
We live in a violent, selfish society that pushes us away from human suffering, which means that people merely feel sorry for those who suffer rather than feeling genuine love. Many who help others feel superior to them. Others help just so people will notice them helping. Many times we share out of what is left over, and that makes us feel good. In contrast, the true love of God produces compassion grounded in love, grace and mercy.
Beloved father and mother, teach compassion to your children because that is how we will create a friendlier, more united society.
May God help you to apply what you have learned today.
Dr. Miguel and Irene Garita
