Can you be over compassionate?

(journal entry 11/5/11 @ 2am)
This question came up at my last MOPS meeting and really had me thinking.  We discussed it for a while and I think ultimately, the table came to the conclusion that you can indeed be overcompassionate, but

I say no.  Yes, we need to have a Sabbath.  Yes, we need to rest and take time for ourselves.  The bible is clear that we need to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength AND to love our neighbor as ourselves.  God speaks often about dying to self, denying ourselves, and serving others.

Jesus was mocked and criticized for healing and performing miracles on the Sabbath, but he never stopped doing the work of His Father.  He ALWAYS did good.

How does this apply to us?  We should be taking a weekly Sabbath, a day where we rest from our "to do" list and rest in His presence and enjoy the fruits of our labor.  It doesn't mean that we take a break from compassion.  It means that we seek God FIRST and allow Him to open our eyes to what He has called us to do.  We are not intended to respond to or meet every need.  If we're seeking first His kingdom, He will give us peace and rest as we continue to bless others in the areas we are called.

We can still take the time to feed a stranger (this doesn't mean you have to go to the big organized event).  It only takes a few minutes to buy someone a sandwich and a drink and hand it to them when you see the need.  You can still listen to a hurting friend, pray for those that need it, kiss a boo boo and show forgiveness.  Compassion is simple and should be demonstrated by us always, not just as women, but as disciples of Jesus.