Compassion

I read today (thanks to JtM) that the Greek word used to describe Jesus' compassion at least one time in Luke is a word that means more that just empathy or sympathy. It was compassion from deep within - not a shallow, "I understand what you are going through" compassion, but a heart-felt, gut wrenching compassion.

If we are to know God through Jesus, then this kind of love must be like the love of God for us. He doesn't just watch us from far away and feel sorry for us. God is in the middle of us, with us, and loves us with a deep compassion.

We are called to that kind of compassion for others. It's a compassion that calls for action, not just an emotional response, but action that can change the situation.