Is It Possible to Make Compassion a Core Value?

In our society, compassion is difficult to practice. On the other hand, frustration, anger, and resentment seem to conform easily to stress that’s ever present as we rush to complete our things-to-do and places-to-be. Resentment derives from perceiving ourselves as caught in a trap, pursuing whatever makes us happy.

Children can be so caught up in after-school and weekend activities that time to rest and play are canceled out. I’m not thinking specifically about sports but about whatever is loaded with competition to win. Perhaps this isn’t your situation, but guard against relegating compassion to the bottom of your list.

To regain compassion, begin with making it your core value. Compassion is a virtue, a treasure to seek and to give each day. 

Listen to Colossians 3:12: “Clothe yourselves with compassion, humility, kindness, gentleness, and patience.” Do this as carefully as you would clothe yourself for a special occasion.  

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And God? Compassionate! Forgave the sin! Didn’t destroy! Over and over he reined in his anger, restrained his considerable wrath.  

~Psalm 78:38 The Message

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How Are Expectations Related to Anger?

Anger is an emotion that can be triggered instantly with little effort. There are numerous triggers for anger, including unmet expectations. Have you ever waited for someone, and after what seemed like an eternity, they finally showed up? They blamed traffic, but you suspected something else.

Feelings of neglect can be transformed quickly into anger, especially when a lame excuse for being late is interpreted as lack of care or respect. Even if anger is controlled and stifled, it can be impossible to keep it from being expressed passively, as in silent body language.

So what could be a possible solution to anger when someone does not live up to reasonable expectations? Psalm 78:38 describes God as restraining his anger to prevent its full expression. This model can help manage anger until a time and place become available to express it verbally in a calm, healthy way. God’s way is the best way. 

           

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People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm.

~Proverbs 14:17 Good News Bible

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.