Compassion in Practice: The Way of Jesus

by Frank Rogers Jr.

Jesus taught a way of personal and social transformation through the practice of radical compassion. Frank Rogers describes not just what Christian compassion looks like but how to live out compassion in a world ravaged by violence, fear, and reactivity. He expands on his book Practicing Compassion to teach us how to love as Jesus loved. 7 weeks [[ Includes Leader's Guide KEY FEATURES --Leader's Guide for small groups --Rich and moving stories of practicing compassion in a hurting world --Enables readers to understand and apply compassion in their daily lives

Genres: Spirituality

167 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2016

Reviews

[Karen Hunt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book offers a dangerous new age view of Jesus that is not true. He said "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the father but by me" (john 14:6) Mr. Rogers states that we all know truth within ourselves when as fallen, sinful beings the Bible states we simply can not. The hearts of man have been corrupted by out sin nature, so when the author states "When we are most true to ourselves, most in harmony with our created love and delight, we become persons of emboldened compassion." It is patently false. When we are most true to ourselves we are at our most sinful. Jesus says "Out of the heart proceeds evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies" (matt 15:19) (see also Jer 17:9). The flesh and the spirit are at odds with one another (Galations 5:17), Only with holy spirit can we overcome this wicked nature. There is precisely ZERO references relating to how to get a new heart according the the Bible. The author does state "For Jesus, compassion inspires a genuine loving regard that flows freely from the heart. It is rooted in the restorative compassion of God that is given to all humanity" Again, Jesus says that we can only know the father through him, when we trust him, only then are we given a new heart, with new desires (2 Cor 5:17) With this new heart comes the fruit of the spirit ONLY when in possession of this new heart can we even attempt true compassion (Gal 5:22)
One of the illustrations given to the author actually disproves his theory. He starts sharing his eucharist with his 3 year old son and after a conversation about the communion believers will share with Jesus and other followers his son asks if he can have the bigger piece of the eucharist that Sunday. Even our sweet children experience the selfish indwelling nature of a sin filled heart. They are apt to always want more- the more we are encouraged to 'look inward' (as every meditation in this book starts out) the more depraved and hopelessly fallen we will become. It is only by looking to God, trusting Him entirely and turning to him in repentance we can ever hope to be saved from our sinful fallen selves.
I do not believe with throwing the baby out with the bath water though! I will celebrate any good added to this world because it is a reflection of God, who is everything good. If you already possess a new heart and are stuck on practical steps on how to be a more compassionate, Christ like person, there are lots of little gems in here for you. The examples are hard hitting. The idea that the parts of other people you hate the most are often reflections on yourself and your own shortcomings was inspired. In the hands of a Christian this book can edify and equip. In the hands of the lost, unfortunately, it leads down the wide path to destruction. There is no amount of being more like Christ that will save you from eternal separation. The path to hell is paved with well intentioned people who never get the new heart needed to fully embrace the loving compassion of God.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is practical and life-changing. It helps one identify and hold one's triggered emotions to ultimately find healing. This leads to compassion for others and their messy emotional responses. This is grounded in the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself.