And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile...

... go with him twain.

~Jesus Christ

Compassion is sending violet roses to an admirer of violet roses (esp. when the sender believes crimson roses are ideal).

Compassion is taking the weary hare in one's arms and carrying him to the finish line (esp. when one believes slow-and-steady should win the race).

Compassion is sharing the joy a homosexual couple holds (esp. when one believes heterosexual couples are ideal and necessary to 'win the race').

Compassion is true empathy. Compassion is an extension of love. Compassion is forsaking the entire self and taking in its place the neighbor doubly.

Compassion is feeling hunger when hunger is felt, not in oneself, but in one's neighbor. Compassion is then filling the hungry neighbor's belly when only a few scraps would suffice.

Compassion is feeling weariness when weariness is felt, not in oneself, but in one's neighbor. Compassion is then taking hold of the weary neighbor and supporting him for the journey when only a mile would suffice.

Compassion is feeling joy when joy is felt, not in oneself, but in one's neighbor. Compassion is then rejoicing for a lifetime with the joyful neighbor when only an afternoon would suffice.

Compassion is neither offensive nor defensive. Compassion is adjoining.

Compassion is becoming one.