Thursday, November 12, 2009

Compassion: a reflection




Philipians 1



Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.




I have been doing some reflection on what compassion is. In the seminary I was taught that the word came from the latin root com (with) and passion (suffering). In other words, to suffer with the other person. Jesus being the model of compassion, suffering for all for the forgiveness of sins.




Recently I have been taking a different approach, however. Like the scripture above suggests, I endeavour to make St. Paul's joy complete by bringing humour to the situation.




Like thus:



Pastoral?

8 comments:

Martin Lover said...

thanks for pointing out the Scripture...it may make it's way into a heretical sermon (Lutheran) that I am doing on Phil 4.4-7!

Friartuc said...

You and your heresy. How's the sem going? Hows life in Deadmonton? I'm enjoying ministry! Hope you will too Steve!

Steve said...

well this semester is flying, and true to form...I am hanging on for dear life. Also this year I am in a different fieldwork position...(at St. Peter's Lutheran Church)...and am working with the Monday Night Kids program which is working with kids from trouble backgrounds and I really enjoy that. Also I am really looking forward to Vicarage which God willing will start this Summer! (which means I will probably end up in Sask for a year) But if I can deal with Deadmonton for 7+ years Sask for 12 months wont kill me.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Good post and this enter helped me alot in my college assignement. Say thank you you as your information.