Are You showing Compassion ?

In his book "The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People" Steven Covey relates a personal experience while on the New York subway. The passengers were sitting quietly in the subway car, when a man entered with children who were extremely noisy and active. To Covey's surprise, the man (who was obviously the father) sat down and closed his eyes, ignoring the loud and rambunctious children. He sat as though he were oblivious to them! The subway car was ringing with chaotic noise. The children's behavior was way out of line, and everyone was getting agitated - except the father.


Finally, Covey leaned over and spoke to the man about his children. The father opened his eyes and seemed to finally grasp the situation.


"Oh, you're right. I guess I should do something about it. We just came from the hospital where their mother died about an hour ago. I don't know what to think, and I guess they don't know how to handle it either."


Covey learned that often we leave compassion out of our daily ministry. Oftentimes we would do best if we looked past the initial appearance.

What a great challenge to open our eyes to those around us and show compassion. Look for somebody today that you can show compassion to.


7 If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. 8 Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.
- Deuteronomy 15:7-8 (New International Version)


Dear Lord thank you for showing compassion to us, We pray that our eyes would be open to those around us so that we can show compassion to them. In Jesus’ name, amen.