“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” Ephesians 4:2
Compassion for others leads to compassion for me.
Do unto others. I know you’ve heard it. If you grew up with ministerial parents like me you could recite the scripture before you could read. It’s the golden rule; and essentially, we’re teaching ourselves that if we all treat people the way we want to be treated the world will be better for it. And it works to an extent. Until you start comparing how people want to be treated. Do I believe we all want to be treated with kindness, respect and empathy? Yes. Do I believe that looks and feels the same across the board for everyone? No. And that’s often where we fall short. We expect people to do things the way we would do them or to want things the way we would want them… and that’s when feelings start to get hurt.
When you expect yourself or your traditions or practices from other people for no other reason than its just what you’re used to you’re setting yourself up for heartbreak every time. And if you’re dealing with mental health struggles with anxiety or depression or grief or any other slew of things, you’ll likely experience that heartbreak at an exaggerated level. It’ll hurt a little deeper, last a little longer and intrude your thoughts relentlessly. So I want you embrace empathy. Instead of expecting an action, embrace the emotion surrounding the action, and communicate your way through it. How? Let’s affirm!
Affirmation 1: I am changing my expectations. Too often we expect ourselves from others. We ignore what they say or do or express and hyperfocus on what we would do in a situation and just expect that. And it’s unrealistic. If a person tells you that dealing with something is too hard for them, why expect them to buckle down and get through it for you? Why do your needs outweigh their capabilities? And don’t get me started on the many times we don’t even say what we’re hoping for we just expect them to know or pick up on it? Do better! Change those expectations!
Affirmation 2: I am embracing empathy. Look at the scripture. “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2) Embrace the ability to be patient and make allowance for faults from a person… because you love them. Because they love you. Now, I’m not saying you need to let someone walk all over you. But if you can empathize with their situation as they are interacting with yours, them maybe, just maybe… you can get through your situation better.
Affirmation 3: Compassion for others leads to compassion for me. If you show compassion, it’s easier to get it back. People remember when you show them kindness and embrace them when they aren’t at their best in spite of. And most times they can show that compassion back. But if you’re dealing with a taker who never gives… maybe you need to reevaluate that relationship anyway and make some choices for the sake of your mental health.
Friends, I love you. And I’m embracing empathy for you and your situation. I know that you have struggles, and it’s hard sometimes to get through those struggles and be there for others, but I see you trying and making the effort to get through it all. Keep going! I’m rooting for you, always. Keep conquering daily!
EMBRACING EMOTION: THE BLOG 