Compassion not Tolerance

Everyone else is sleeping, so I snuck downstairs for coffee. The Hyatt Place lobby is warm as I look out at the snow.  Going to Nashville for the latter part of the week has found us a bit stranded in 5 inches of snow and freeze but stranded kills my soul and gives me time to read.  I was reading Cassian, a great follower of Christ, and found an old friend of a quote:

If we want to set our live right and find peace, it is not tolerant attitude for others that will do it for us. It will come about, rather, by our learning to show compassion to them.

This is the almost constant reminder I give to the younger and newer leaders around me. This would be the one lesson I wish that I had learned younger.

It seems easier to ignore than to forgive but ignorance never brings peace.  It seems easier to tolerate than to show compassion but tolerance will sadden you when you realize that you are not love people even as God.

Tolerance isn't even of God. Think of it. Does God tolerate sin or challenge it? Does God want us to rescue our brothers and sisters from wrong or tolerantly leave them there? How can we be at peace if we have not done everything to help one who is wrong?

Compassion doesn't mean saying, "It is okay. It will get better. I understand." Compassion is getting actively involved when it is inconvenient. Compassion challenges, sweats, loves, speaks, and even rebukes. Compassion prays, hopes, and teaches. Compassion recognizes the state of another's soul in light of the state of their own and offers help instead of condemnation. Compassion, whether in challenge or support, always has the goal of reconciling man to God.

Tolerance can never lead to peace because it leaves matters unsettled. The righteous act of compassion settles matters for the one who gives compassion.

Comments

[jeff cook]

Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.

Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.

Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave. (x2)

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (x2)

Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave. (x2)

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (x6)