When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Mt.9:36
A harassed, helpless crowd would make me want to run. Not Jesus, whose response was compassion.
The Latin root for compassion means "to suffer together". I feel empathy from another person when they draw me in rather than push me away. I know I am important to them at that moment.
To suffer together with another I need to recognise our shared humanity, something Jesus did constantly. Prince or pauper, they have the same red blood and beating heart as myself. This is a good starting point for developing compassion.
Jesus, break my heart with the things that break yours.
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