A Short Reflection on Compassion

Everyone commends compassion, it is universally accepted as good. To some extent, everyone can show compassion, but how does a Christian stand out in this area? How does one's Christian faith affect his/her compassion towards others? I think there is an extra motive for Christians, especially to those who are marginalized and suffering.

The doctrine of Christ's incarnation is central to the Christian faith. Because He took on our form, he genuinely felt our weaknesses. Therefore when He said in Matthew 25:40 that "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me", I think there is a genuineness and realness to Jesus' statement. In a mysterious way, our service to men is accepted by Christ as if it is being done unto Him. For me, this is so astounding and sparks many questions in my mind! Whenever we help someone in need, we are in a sense loving Christ very concretely.

As a medical student, I have tried to apply this thought. Many times I lack compassion because I am just too tired with my own life and all the suffering in it (self pity mode on). But upon meditating on this, I find myself asking the question, how compassionate should I be if I were treating Christ Himself? I find that this transforms the way I treat not only my patients, but to anyone in need. I do want to love Christ wholeheartedly because He has loved me infinitely, and I can do it by small concrete steps. A little more time for a patient. A little more patience for a difficult person. A little more more empathy for those suffering. A little more love unto men, a little more love unto Christ.