Be Compassionate

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Matthew 7:1

“Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” Romans 12:19

The dictionary defines judge as “to pronounce sentence upon someone” and compassion as “tenderness of heart to overlook injuries or to treat an offender better than he or she deserves.”

I just watched a YouTube video discussing a new movie about Superman. Evidently Superman pronounced sentence upon Joker and went down a dark path from there. He chose revenge and left compassion behind.

Les Miserables is a novel written by Victor Hugo, a poet and playwright. The book’s main character is Jean Valjean who rises above judging others. He was shown mercy when he needed it most by a kindly bishop.

Jean Valjean had been in prison for almost 20 years for stealing a loaf of bread for his starving niece. He breaks his parole and makes a decision to release his bitterness and his need for revenge. due to the generosity and kindness of a priest Jean tried to steal from. He chose a life of helping others, of kindness, and gentleness.