From Frustration to Compassion
A Real Moment of Reflection
Recently, I found myself reflecting on a familiar feeling: frustration with others who seem to lack deep insight, critical thinking, or the ability to perceive the broader consequences of their actions.
It wasn’t an outward impatience anymore — I've worked hard to temper that over the years.
But inside, a quiet disdain sometimes stirred.
Was that wrong?
Was it a simple, understandable reaction — or was it something that needed attention and growth?
This question led me into a deeper reflection, one that touched not only my mind but my heart, and reshaped the way I see wisdom itself.
The Encounter That Sparked It
The catalyst was a simple, well-meaning conversation with two dear friends — good, loving people, deeply faithful.
I had shared a prayer that had been collaboratively crafted with the help of AI (specifically, ChatGPT) — a prayer that beautifully captured my heart’s yearning for Christ during my recovery from a major medical procedure.
I wasn’t trying to boast about technology.
I was trying to share something deeper:
- How new tools are expanding the ways we can reflect, pray, and grow.
- How beauty — whether through words, music, or art — stirs the soul in ways simple speech sometimes cannot.
Yet my friends responded to the surface — encouraging me to simply "speak from the heart," without engaging the wonder of what I was trying to highlight.
I felt frustrated.
More than that — I felt sad.
Sad that something deep and beautiful was being received so superficially.
The Honest Question: Was My Reaction Wrong?
At first glance, no — the frustration made sense.
When you long for depth, it’s painful to encounter shallowness.
But as I sat with it longer, I realized:
The feeling itself wasn’t wrong — but what I chose to do with it mattered.
Frustration could easily harden into judgment:
- From "They missed something beautiful"
- To "They are incapable of seeing."
One is grief for lost connection.
The other is pride.
Learning a Deeper Wisdom
The more I prayed, the more I realized:
Wisdom isn’t just seeing deeper truths.
Wisdom is seeing deeper truths and loving others even when they can’t yet see.
Jesus Himself walked this path.
He saw to the depths of every human heart —
and yet, He was endlessly patient with those who misunderstood Him.
He corrected boldly when needed (especially with those leading others astray),
but with the common person, He responded with compassion, not disdain.
If wisdom becomes prideful, it loses its beauty.
If wisdom becomes compassionate, it becomes a beacon.
Practical Lessons Along the Way
As I processed all this, four practical shifts emerged:
1. Reframing Frustration
Instead of silently judging, I can name the sadness:
"I’m sad they missed the beauty — Lord, bless them to see more one day."
A simple reframe turns frustration into prayer.
2. Mini-Prayers to Guard the Heart
In the moment of irritation, whisper prayers like:
- "Lord, give me Your patience and Your eyes."
- "Bless them and bless me. Lead us both into deeper truth."
- "Let me sow seeds, not demand fruit."
3. Knowing When to Speak and When to Stay Silent
If others are curious, I can gently teach.
If they are closed or defensive, I can plant a seed silently — and trust God with the timing.
4. Pursuing Wisdom with Compassion
The greatest wisdom is not simply seeing clearly,
but seeing clearly and loving deeply.
"Be wise as serpents and gentle as doves." (Matthew 10:16)
A Personal Prayer for the Journey
To seal this reflection, I wrote a prayer for myself — and for anyone walking a similar path:
Lord Jesus, Wisdom made flesh,
You have gifted me with eyes to see deeper truths.
Teach me to carry these gifts with humility, not pride.
When I encounter those who see only the surface,
give me not disdain, but compassion.
Give me patience to sow seeds without demanding immediate fruit.
Root me in Your way of seeing —
loving even when unseen,
teaching even when unappreciated,
sowing even when the soil seems hard.
Let my wisdom be a light, not a sword.
Let my insight draw others gently upward, not drive them away.
Shape my heart to be as deep in love as it is in thought.
Amen.
Final Reflection
True wisdom is not the ability to see more.
True wisdom is the ability to see more — and still choose love.
From frustration to compassion —
this is the journey of growing a wiser heart.
