Compassion Does Not Require You To Be A Victim

Is it possible to be too compassionate?

I suppose that it depends on what you mean by compassionate. Certainly, we owe it to other living beings (and I include all living beings in that, not just people) kindness, grace, caring, and working to create tolerable or better living conditions. We are fundamentally here to help others.

But that does not mean that we need do anything anyone asks. We need not become a victim. Some people are in need beyond our capacity to provide that need. Some people take advantage of our desire to help. Some people (gasp!) simply can't be trusted.

I come from a tradition of faith that says help anyway, and I believe that is best. Help anyway. Do what we can. But...and maybe I'm going out on a limb here...but not to the point of becoming a victim. Sometimes we must say no. Sometimes we must walk away.

Compassion does not require foolishness.

We are not required to surrender our selves when evil prevails.

Please do not misunderstand me. I do NOT mean that as a license to simply walk away when we could make a difference. I do not mean "look after number one" no matter one. But, if we DON'T look after number one in critical situations, there may never be a number two. Or three. Or anyone else.

By all means help. As much as we can. Without being foolish about it.

What do you think?

-- Doug Smith

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