Compassion - Pastor's Pen for 16th August

Land Cress in my garden

One can feel compassion for the scapegoat / fall-guy in the most recent leadership crisis for the National Party. My colleague Wayne wrote of him; "Chris Penk is a very straight up and honest guy. I knew him when we were serving in the Navy. I was surprised that he was interested in the snake pit that politics sometimes descends to."

Henri Nouwen suggests that; "In a world in which competition continues to be the dominant mode of relating among people, be it in politics, sports, or economics, all true believers proclaim compassion, not competition, as God's way."

As I ponder this thought, I remember that in a race, I like to place well, even win, but if I don't, I can still choose to celebrate those who have prepared well and finished before me. I can show compassion to myself for competing with a good spirit, and to the other for their success.

Of course, politics is a more cut-throat business than trail running, and undoubtedly there is a bigger story than just one guy causing trouble in the ranks. It takes a few to mount a coup.

All this reminds me that in election season, Christians should be especially mindful of their call to be salt and light in the neighbourhood. Undoubtedly we need wisdom and discernment in our speech, commentary and voting. At the same time we can remember the words of Jesus; ^"Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate. Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

Our compassion can be for the poor, the stranger and those who are suffering, and for those who may have a different perspective to us. Shalom