Flavor #21:  Compassion (Splanchnizomai; Splanchnon)

(Complete list and links to the 31 Flavors of Wisdom)

Meaning, essence, and significance: Compassion is a visceral, emotional and behavioral response that compels you to act to alleviate the suffering experience of another. The Greek term Splanchnizomai is derived from Splanchnon, which is the medical term for the internal organs in your viscera, or trunk of your body.  In the New Testament, this term frequently describes Jesus’ reactions to human suffering, illustrating that true compassion is composed of thoughtful, deliberate and considerate actions that facilitate healing in the heart (and soul, mind, and spirit) of “your neighbor,” especially when you consider the Greeks thought the heart was the seat of all emotions. Like Empathy (#6), Compassion is the concrete manifestation of tenderness, kindness and thoughtfulness, and reflects you Understand (#20) what the correct behavioral response to the person is, or situation you’re involved with or are observing. 

Practical Appearance and Nutritional Value: In practice, compassion is demonstrated through attentiveness, active listening, and knowledgeable inquiry, resulting in a creative response marked by Love (#2).  It involves recognizing another’s pain and responding with empathy and support, embodying the essence of loving your neighbor. The impact of compassion is profound, as it fosters emotional healing, strengthens relationships and leaves the unmistakable and lasting impression with your neighbor that they have been the object and recipient of caring behavior that is therapeutic!

Who deserves some of this seasoning?  “My spouse!  Extending compassion to my spouse means being fully present during her times of distress, offering understanding without judgment, and providing comfort through both words and actions. This approach nurtures trust and deepens our emotional bond, reflecting the compassionate nature exemplified by Jesus. Embracing and practicing compassion enriches our relationship and contributes to a more empathetic and caring society, aligning with the biblical call to ‘be kind and compassionate to one another’” – Ephesians 4:32

So thanks again for looking at these 31 Flavors of Wisdom and hopefully, participating in the 31 Day Wisdom Challenge, and for reading this excerpt from Cultivating Love: Wisdom for Life. As time permits, please visit the other blogs written by Dr. Ken McGill: Daily Bread for Life and “3–2- 5–4–24” for additional information that could be helpful.

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About Dr Ken McGill

Dr. Ken McGill is an ordained minister and has been involved in counseling for more than 25 years. Dr. McGill holds a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Pacific Christian College (now Hope International University), a Certificate of Completion in the Alcohol and Drug Studies/Counseling Program from the University of California at Los Angeles and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. Dr. McGill received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in May, 2003. Dr. McGill's dissertation focused on the development of an integrated treatment program for the sexually addicted homeless population, and Ken was "personally mentored" by dissertation committee member Dr. Patrick Carnes, a pioneer in the field of sex addiction work. Dr. McGill authored a chapter in the text The Clinical Management of Sex Addiction, with his chapter addressing the homeless and sex addiction. Dr. McGill is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the States of Texas and California and Mississippi, and is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, through the International Institute for Trauma and Addictive Professionals (IITAP). Dr. McGill had a private practice in Glendora, CA (Aspen Counseling Center), Inglewood, CA (Faithful Central Bible Church), and Hattiesburg, MS (River of Life Church), specializing in the following areas with individuals, couples, families, groups and psychoeducational training: addictions and recovery, pre-marital, marital and family counseling, issues related to traumatization and abuse, as well as depression, grief, loss, anger management and men's and women's issues. Dr. McGill also provided psychotherapeutic treatment with Student-Athletes on the University of Southern Mississippi Football and Men's Basketball teams. Dr. McGill served as the Director of the Gentle Path Program, which is a seven-week residential program, for people who are challenged with sexual addiction, sexual anorexia, and relationship issues. Dr. McGill also supervised Doctoral students in the Southern Mississippi Psychology Internship Consortium with the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. McGill was inducted into the Azusa Pacific University Academic Hall of Honor, School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences, in October, 2010. Dr. McGill currently works as a Private practice clinician with an office in Plano, Texas, providing treatment with people who are challenged in the areas mentioned above.

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Daily Bread for Addressing Compulsion

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