Some Making a Difference, Having Compassion

Awakening the Better Angels: Living a Life of Christ-like Compassion

“The better angels of our nature…” These words, immortalized by Abraham Lincoln, resonate with a deep truth about the human spirit. Within each of us exists a capacity for kindness, empathy, and love.¹ This inner voice urges us towards compassion, forgiveness, and selfless service. As Christians, we recognize this voice as the echo of God’s own image within us, prompting us to live a life that reflects His divine nature.

The Bible is replete with calls to embrace these “better angels.” Micah 6:8 implores us to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”² Jesus himself, in the Sermon on the Mount, elevates compassion and forgiveness to the highest ideals, urging us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).³ These teachings challenge us to transcend our baser instincts – anger, selfishness, and vengeance – and to embrace the virtues that align us with God’s kingdom.

Living by the dictates of our “better angels” involves a conscious and continuous effort. It requires us to:

1. Cultivate a Heart of Compassion: Compassion begins with seeing others through the eyes of Christ. It means recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their background, beliefs, or actions. When we encounter suffering, injustice, or need, compassion compels us to respond with empathy and action.⁴ This might involve offering a helping hand, a listening ear, or simply a kind word.⁵

2. Practice Forgiveness: Forgiveness is perhaps the most challenging yet liberating act of our “better angels.” Holding onto anger and resentment only poisons our own hearts.⁶ Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35) vividly illustrates the importance of extending forgiveness to others, just as God has forgiven us. Forgiveness doesn’t excuse wrongdoing, but it breaks the cycle of bitterness and opens the door to reconciliation and healing.⁷

3. Embrace Humility: Humility is the antidote to pride and self-righteousness.⁸ It allows us to recognize our own limitations and dependence on God. A humble heart is open to learning, growing, and receiving correction.⁹ It recognizes that we are all fellow travelers on this earthly journey, each with our own struggles and imperfections. Humility enables us to extend grace to others and to ourselves.¹⁰

4. Pursue Peace and Reconciliation: Our “better angels” guide us towards peace, both within ourselves and in our relationships with others. This involves seeking harmony, resolving conflict constructively, and promoting understanding.¹¹ Jesus, the Prince of Peace, calls us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), actively working to bridge divides and foster unity.¹²

5. Serve Others Selflessly: True fulfillment comes not from pursuing our own desires, but from serving others in love. Jesus exemplified this selfless service throughout His ministry, ultimately giving His life for the salvation of humanity.¹³ As His followers, we are called to follow His example, using our gifts and talents to meet the needs of others and to build God’s kingdom.

The journey towards living by the dictates of our “better angels” is not always easy. We will face temptations, setbacks, and moments of weakness. But through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can cultivate the virtues that reflect God’s image within us.

The world desperately needs the influence of these “better angels.” We see so much division, hatred, and violence around us. As Christians, we are called to be beacons of hope, radiating the love and compassion of Christ in a world that desperately needs it. By embracing our “better angels,” we can be agents of healing, reconciliation, and transformation.

Let us, therefore, strive to live lives that honor God and reflect His goodness. Let us cultivate compassion, practice forgiveness, embrace humility, pursue peace, and serve others selflessly. In doing so, we will not only awaken the “better angels” within ourselves but also inspire those around us to do the same. This is the path to true fulfillment, both in this life and in the life to come.