Take Action: Clothe Yourselves with Compassion

“Clothe yourselves with compassion,” Colossians 3:12

“Compassion” comes from the Latin, meaning literally “co-suffering.” What does the Bible mean when it says that God has compassion on his children? And what does it mean for us to co-suffer with those who are hurting? Some commentators suggest that our English translations are too tame, that more appropriate wording might be to have our guts wrenched, our hearts torn, or the most vulnerable parts of our being laid bare. Here’s a prayer from author Brennan Manning that we might all consider:

Dear Abba, I know it’s a dangerous request to make, but teach me compassion so that others might take notice and be drawn to Your beautiful heart. (from Dear Abba: Morning & Evening Prayer)