Compassion

Compassion - Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. 

How many of you have heard the story of German WWII fighter pilot Ludwig Franz Stigler?   It is a story of one person's compassion that speaks volumes 80 years later.

On December 20, 1943, in the skies over northern Germany, Stigler, who in his flying career with the Luftwaffe would shoot down 28 enemy aircraft, had already shot down two American B-17 bombers that day.  As he came upon a third B-17, he had it in the crosshairs.  But something stopped him from firing on it.  As Stigler flew closer, he noticed the bomber had been riddled with bullets.  He could clearly see the tail gunner's cage, where the airman was slumped over his gun and not moving.  Blood splatters covered part of the window.

As he drew alongside the rippled aircraft, he noticed one man flying the aircraft, Charles "Charlie" Brown, who was trying desperately to keep the wounded aircraft flying.  He was heading west, back to England, or at least the North Sea.  Stigler decided not to fire his guns and when Brown looked at him, he motioned with his hand for Brown to fly north toward neutral Sweden, but instead Brown kept his west heading.

Stigler then made the incredible decision to escort Brown and his crippled aircraft to the North Sea coast, protecting it from other German aircraft and anti-aircraft fire.  When they reached the coast of the North Sea, Brown turned and looked at the German pilot flying next to him.  Stigler looked Brown in the eye and saluted him, then turned his aircraft back toward Germany, allowing Brown and his wounded and dead crew to make it back to England.

For years Brown searched for Stigler.  He didn't have a name, only a story.  Finally, in 1990, he discovered the name of the German pilot and he was living in Canada!  Brown was able to retrieve a phone number and called him.  When Stigler answered, Brown did not say hello, instead he said, "I hope you are the man who saved my life."  There was silence on the other end, before Stigler finally spoke, "you were flying a B-17..."  Several weeks later the two men met at a bar in the States.  They became close friends and remained close friends until 2008 when they both died within months of each other.  

Compassion comes in many forms, not shooting down a defenseless aircraft in times of war is just one of them.  Giving food and shelter to those in need is another, paying someone's rent to keep them from being evicted is another, compassion is donating your time and money wherever it is needed because it is the right thing to do.  Showing compassion is being Christ-like.

Compassion is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.  It tells the world you are willing to treat others as an equal, no matter their circumstances.

Compassion is not putting yourself first in all things.  Compassion is not insulting and calling other people names.  Compassion is not ignoring the law because you don't agree with it.  Compassion is not promoting civil unrest.  Compassion is not arresting and detesting civilians because they look different.  Compassion is not taking healthcare away from those who desperately need it.  Compassion is not ending programs that help the poor and less fortunate put food on the table.  Compassion is not treating those you deem your inferior with disdain.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, humility, kindness, gentleness and patience."  Colossians 3.12

Luke 10 tells us the story of the Good Samaritan, which teaches us in crystal clear detail the importance of compassion and loving your neighbor regardless of their background.

Compassion is a noun that calls for action. It reflects God's love and encourages believers to actively help those who are in need.  It is integral to our faith, urging those who believe to embody empathy and kindness and forgiveness in their actions with others.

As Paul said in Galatians 6, "let us not become weary in doing good."

Our government is doing a horrible job of showing compassion, of showing empathy toward others, of putting others first.  Where is the kindness, where is the equality, where is the Good Samaritan?

First and most importantly we belong to God, not the United States, or Canada or the U.K.  My prayer is we all start acting like it.

Be kind to each other, show compassion where it is needed.  Let your light shine.  See you down the road.