Last week, I was at a hockey game with my family. It was a good game, good fun, and an exciting NHL experience.
At one point, my godson became visibly upset. When we asked, he explained that he was worried that the feelings of the losing team would be hurt, and that bothered him.
A ‘proud Auntie’ moment, to be sure! His mom and I both melted.
That heart. That pure, compassionate, loving heart.
I thought, “the world needs more of that.”
As I continue to reflect, the more I am becoming convinced of this. The world does need more compassion: more people caring about the feelings of loved ones and strangers; more people to ignore whatever the crowd suggests is appropriate, and instead focus on the opportunity to demonstrate love.
It’s not always easy or popular, but it is always the right thing to do: to be kind and caring, and to genuinely wish the best for those around us.
What a wonderful reminder from this beautiful 7-year-old—that love is not just a nicety to speak of, but a Christian duty to live. Because if we agree that the world needs more of this big-hearted behaviour, then we must also accept that we are called to live out this big-hearted behaviour. It’s not up to the nebulous “someone else” to provide. It’s up to us to produce.
Whether 7 or 97, we are called to make the world a more loving place. Jesus’ mandate doesn’t have age restrictions.
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (Jn 13.34-35)
And so I pray this week that I may carry the compassion that my godson carries in his heart, and that I may show that compassion as a sign of my love for Jesus.
I pray we may all have the courage to embrace our shared duty and fulfill it to the very best of our ability—with everyone and everything God puts in our path.
