Archbishop Desmond Tutu teaches in the Book of Joy about why Compassion is something we want to become, saying:

“Our human nature has been distorted. I mean, we are actually quite remarkable creatures. In our religions I am created in the image of God. I am a God carrier. It’s fantastic. I have to be growing in godlikeness, in caring for the other. I know that each time I have acted compassionately, I have experienced a joy in me that I find in nothing else.

“And even the cynic will have to admit that it is how we are wired. We’re wired to be other-regarding. We shrivel is there is no other. It’s really a glorious thing. When we say, “I will care for only me,” in an extraordinary way that me shrivels and gets smaller and smaller. And you find satisfaction and joy increasingly elusive. Then you want to grab and try this and try that, but in the end you don’t find satisfaction.”

Are you growing in compassion? Is there a community or a part of society that you are serving? I love that at the end of our worship service the priest says, “Our worship had ended. Now our service begins.” I hope that applies to you, also.

This chapter on Compassion is powerful. If you get hold of this book, please be certain to read at least Chapter 7! They also address self-compassion. I think we can all use a bit more of that. Most of the time we are so hard on ourselves.

My first spiritual director used to tell me every time I saw her, “Be gentle with yourself.” I try to be gentle with others, especially the ones that rub me the wrong way. I know that each one of us is broken. There is brokenness some place in our lives. We all need kindness and gentleness. So please be gentle with yourself and with others!