Seeing others in their own terms rather than through the filter of your own agendas, judgments, and reactions conditioned by your own desires, feelings, and sensitivities.

The Greek word "sympathés" denotes "understanding and sympathetic participation in the destiny of others in all situation." TDNT 5:935.

Being moved in your depths by another's experience to the point where you understand the heartaches and longings at the core of another person's behavior and experience.

All-accepting, nonjudgmental, all-embracing presence.

The realization that your acts of compassion are like portals into a kingdom where grace is normative; that your actions are part of a larger whole.

Yearning for and delighting in the flourishing of wounded and suffering persons, so that they enjoy life to the fullest.

The cementing of compassionate sentiment into action. Compassion does not wish someone all the best, then walk away.  Rather, compassion is praying with your hands and legs.