Are you truly a compassionate person?

Most people would like to think of themselves as a compassionate person. They would like to be known for having a desire and passion for helping others in need.

The most compassionate people I know, are also the most passionate. However, not all passionate people are compassionate.

What is it that compassionate people possess that purely passionate people are missing? What is it that prevents passionate people from becoming compassionate people?

In my own life, it appears that “self” is the only thing that stands in the way of being truly compassionate. It’s not a lack of money or other resources, but an over-abundance of “self.” When the “com”is missing from my passion, “self” is always the culprit.

Whenever I lack compassion towards those less fortunate, it’s because my “self” is putting itself in the center of my universe, demanding things it feels entitled to, and getting upset when it doesn’t get what it wants.

It’s really amazing how much we think about ourselves, and how often we believe (without admitting it) that we are entitled to be treated a certain way, that others should act the way we want them to act.