When I asked compassionate Anika what she wants to become someday…

Last night, while facilitating the ministry programme at church, we looked at three things that pleases God – The Micah Mandate – based on Micah 6:8 – He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness (compassion), and to walk humbly with your God?

1. Waling Humbly – with God
2. Loving Kindness/Mercy – towards others
3. Acting Justly – towards and in society

I immediately recognised how my daughter, Anika, lives by this mandate.

But of all three things listed above, her compassion/kindness/mercy towards others stood out most for me.

The definition of compassion is the ability to understand the emotional state of another person or oneself. Often confused with empathy, compassion has the added element of having a desire to alleviate or reduce the suffering of another.  If someone shows kindness, caring, and a willingness to help others, they’re showing compassion. This is a word for a very positive emotion that has to do with being thoughtful and decent.

Anika lives with so much compassion for other people, while living a challenged life herself (she was born with Spina Bifida and is a wheelchair user).  Every time we stop at the traffic light and she sees a homeless person begging for money or food it almost drives her to tears.  She regularly wants to clean out her playroom and cupboards to give to the less fortunate.  Today we drove past a lady in a park who was having a heart attack or fit – not sure what exactly happened – and she made me turn around to go and make sure the bystanders called the ambulance.  She spoke about the lady the whole afternoon and prayed for her tonight – she was in tears about the lady she doesn’t even know.  When I asked her the other day what she wants to become someday, she said she wants to have a home for the poor and look after people who needs help.

The Word tells us to become more like Him – and He was and is and will always be compassionate.

Isaiah 63:7 – I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses.

Colossians 3:12 – Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Let’s strive to be more like Him, lets strive to please Him, let’s live by the Micah Mandate!