Call it drama, call it bullying. A lack of compassion crops up all too often in school settings. It's tough on teachers, who have to try to stand up for the victim and simultaneously set the aggressor back on the right path. Sometimes outside help is required. It'll make you sick to your stomach and have you wondering why you didn't become a ballerina or a long-haul trucker instead of going into teaching.
We're in good company when we stick with the job and act as peacemakers, though. Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."
Jesus himself is our prime example of peacemaking. One of my favorite verses is Mark 6:34:
"When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things."
It's our job to take compassion on those kids who are suffering and in need of an advocate. When Jesus had compassion on the people who followed him around, he didn't stop to ask them if they agreed with his politics or his mode of dress or his leadership style before welcoming them. They were like sheep. They needed him. So he taught them many things.
May God help us to teach and feed and love the unlovable, having compassion on them.
1 comment:
Compassion and empathy are such important components of every classroom. The teacher models the behavior and the students pick up on it. As they say, "Witness to everyone, and if necessary, use words."
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