It’s easy to become numb to the world around us. News headlines and the needs of others can overwhelm us, causing our hearts to harden without us even realizing it. Focusing on compassion doesn’t mean being naive or overly emotional. It means choosing mercy over judgment, softness over cynicism, and grace over apathy. When the world grows colder, Christ invites us to keep our hearts warm. To do this, we must slow down and ask God to keep our hearts tender. Here are five practical steps to help you stay grounded in compassion, even when everything around you encourages you to look away.
In 2025, many hearts feel hardened. Digital detachment and personal stress have made compassion feel inconvenient or even optional. But as believers, we’re called to live differently. This world doesn’t need more opinions. It needs more people who reflect Jesus’ heart. Learning to focus on compassion is spiritual resilience.
When you notice your compassion diminishing, turn to God and ask Him to restore it. A tender heart is a valuable gift, not just an inherent trait. Each day, make it a sacred practice to pray, “God, help me see others through Your eyes.” This simple yet profound prayer can ignite a powerful transformation within you. Invite Him to break through your emotional barriers and awaken your spirit with His limitless empathy, enabling you to feel more deeply for those around you.
Between bad news, burnout, and emotional overload, many of us find it hard to stay soft. Compassion requires intention. Let’s be honest, how’s your heart?
Quick reactions often arise from pride or fear, not compassion. When someone frustrates you, take a moment to pause and gather your thoughts. Take a deep breath, allowing the air to fill your lungs, and ask yourself, “What hidden struggles might they be experiencing?” This intentional pause, filled with grace, creates a sacred space, allowing the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit to lead your thoughts and actions.
One of the biggest obstacles to compassion is distraction. Social media encourages us to focus on ourselves -our likes, our feed, and our world. The Holy Focus app helps break this cycle by replacing your app usage with a moment to pause and pray. It redirects your attention away from scrolling and back toward empathy and connection.
Compassion typically expresses itself in subtle and gentle ways rather than through grand gestures. For example, sending a heartfelt text message to encourage a friend going through a tough time can create a ripple effect of positivity. Giving someone your full attention during a conversation can make a significant difference. These seemingly small acts not only uplift others but also cultivate a deeper awareness and sensitivity within ourselves.
I’ve always felt things deeply, and my heart would ache when others were hurting. But over time, I noticed the world trying to harden me. Constant noise and emotional overload made compassion feel harder to access. So I started asking God to protect the tenderness He gave me – to keep my heart soft, even when life gets heavy. That’s part of why I built Holy Focus: to help us tune out the chaos and stay rooted in grace.
When we forget the immense mercy that God has given us, we become selfish and less inclined to show kindness to those around us. When we truly understand His forgiveness, we naturally become more generous in extending that same forgiveness to others. It is a powerful reminder that we do not earn His grace through our actions; rather, we simply receive it as a gift. Keeping this truth in mind can spark compassion in our hearts, encouraging us to perform acts of love and kindness that reflect the mercy we have received.
Compassion serves as the foundation for Christlike love, flourishing only in stillness and genuine attention to others. You don’t need to possess natural empathy; just remain connected to Jesus, who exemplifies compassion. Take a moment today to pause and acknowledge someone you might typically overlook. Seek God’s perspective to rediscover the strength of compassion.
These simple habits helped Jesus stay grounded, focused, and close to God and they will transform your daily life.
