What will truly change things in our community? How will we really make a difference in people's lives? Those are loaded questions that can have complex answers. Sometimes, making a difference in people's lives seems so difficult that we begin to lose heart and over time, we lose our desire to even try.
We can even become cynical and judgmental. "If they would just get a job, their life would be different." "Everyone who needs help are just drug addicts anyway." You and I both know those thought patterns. Who hasn't thought that?
Well, one thing I know for sure. Judgment and cynicism never changed anybody for the good! Those attitudes are not the answer for our community ... for those who are hurting. Turning a deaf ear to those struggling will never make a difference, no matter the justification.
The primary way that we can change our community is through compassion. Compassion is defined as "sympathy for the suffering of others often including a desire to help". Making a difference always begins with an attitude of concern or as the definition states ... sympathy. That's why we must reject being judgmental and cynical. Those attitudes are the opposite of sympathy. Once we have an attitude of concern, we can then be motivated to help.
Where are you presently? Do you struggle with being judgmental? When you see someone in need, are you quick to think of reasons why it is their fault? Compassion is the key to change ... and our own pride & judgment keeps us from being able to be compassionate. Work at thinking differently about people in need. You'll be surprised how it will change your life and those with whom you have contact.
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