Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:15
“Discipline in the Christian life should never be construed as a rigorous method or technique to attain compassion. Compassion is not a skill that we can master by arduous training, years of study, or careful supervision. We cannot get a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. in compassion. Compassion is a divine gift and not a result of systematic study or effort. At a time when many programs are designed to help us become more sensitive, perceptive, and receptive, we need to be reminded continuously that compassion is not conquered but given, not the outcome of our hard work but the fruit of God’s grace. In the Christian life, discipline is the human effort to unveil what has been covered, to bring to the foreground what has remained hidden, and to put on a lampstand what has been kept under a basket. It is like raking away the leaves that covered the pathways in the garden of our soul. Discipline enables the revelation of God’s divine Spirit in us.”
Henri Nouwen in Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life (New York: Image Doubleday, 1983) 88.
What is the role of discipline in your life related to compassion?
I would be the first to consider the pursuit of compassion as an academic exercise. What I am finding, this year, is that related to generosity, discipline really is the human effort that submits to the Spirit’s work, that brings it to the foreground and puts it on a lampstand .
In God’s providence, I am thankful this raking away of the proverbial leaves coincided with the COVID-19 crisis. It has helped me see that compassion is the fruit of God’s grace and only as His grace is at work in me can I be generous and compassionate.
As you think about compassion during crisis times, discipline yourself to focus on the grace of Jesus Christ. This enables the work of the Spirit. And remember, one of the fruits that the Spirit produces is generosity, so it will be a double blessing for sure.