When people are experiencing suffering, Jesus acknowledges their hurt and extends compassion. He doesn’t ask them to prove they deserve his love. He also doesn’t require them to pretend things are OK when they’re not OK. Instead, when individuals and groups are in pain, Jesus takes a step closer.
Earlier this week, Daunte Wright was killed during a traffic stop. The tentacles of this tragedy stretch in all directions. Suffering is everywhere. Jesus steps closer.
We are living in a time in which we’ve been taught to rethink the deep wisdom woven into the strands of our human genome. What if we didn’t second guess the reflex to love? What if instead of expending energy trying to determine who is deserving of compassion and who isn’t, we just stepped toward people experiencing suffering? What if as we got closer, we listened?
It is tempting to believe the lie that compassion is a finite resource that must be doled out only to those who “deserve” it. It’s also a myth to assume that full understanding of a situation is required before we respond to the needs of those impacted.
Don’t be stingy with love. It is the most renewable of resources. As we share it, more is created. Love never runs out.
The kind of love I’m describing is translated in the New Testament from the Greek word “agape.” When Jesus encounters suffering and hurting people, he shares agape love. It’s also agape love that leads God to share Jesus with the world (John 3:16).
Please note: An especially important quality of agape love is that it doesn’t have conditions. It’s freely given without expectation. It’s a kind of affection rooted not in fleeting emotional experience, but instead in action and commitment.
Jesus navigates the world from a place of deep agape love. It isn’t because any of us earn it by being holy or helpful or noble enough. Jesus lives in love, and he invites his friends to do the same. In one of his last conversations with his closest companions before his earthly death, Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another.”
Before anything else, sit with agape. Let it wash over you and through you. Feel that it’s already part of you, and all you have to do is let it flow. Engage in the life happening around you paying special attention to the reality of suffering. Notice those most impacted. Step closer and recognize the connection that is already present. Trust that agape love will be a wise guide.
"Holy Everything" is a weekly column by Emily Carson. She is a Lutheran pastor. Visit her website emilyannecarson.com.
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Love and compassion aren't finite resources - PostBulletin.com
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