Excerpt from “Accelerator”, Accelerated Christian Education, Mar-May 2015, pg 6.
The above character strip, illustrating the character trait “concerned,” comes from Science PACE 1084. The A.C.E. definition of concerned–one of sixty character traits of Christ used in the curriculum–is bearing one another’s burdens with great affection and admiration. the Bible verse used with the character trait “concerned” is Galatians 6;2, Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
The character trait “concerned” is sometimes confused with the character trait “compassionate.” Here is a comparison between concerned and compassionate.
Concerned
- Condition of the heart
- More mental
- More attitude
- Caring for the needs of others
- Looking for problems
- Looking to see others needs
- “Bearing the burdens”
- Understanding the needs
- More passive
- Watchful for others
Compassion
- Action of the heart
- More emotional
- More action
- Filling the needs of others
- Ministering to problems
- Reaching out to meet needs
- Lifting the burdens
- Acting on that understanding
- More active
- Reaches out to others
The best way to summarize the difference between the two is that concerned is more an awareness or attitude which typically precedes the actions of compassion.
In the above character strip, Miriam is meditating on Galatians 6:2. She is concerned that her mom is so busy and understands that she could use some assistance. Her concern to bear another’s burden then turns into compassion when she takes action to fold the clothes for her mother. A simple need is met, and her action is greatly appreciated by Mrs. Peace.
The Bible is full of examples of the character trait “concerned.” Exodus 2:6 states, And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, this is one of the Hebrews’ children. Pharaoh’s daughter had concern when she saw the child, which led her to have compassion on baby Moses and raise him as her own son.
Jesus tells the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:33, But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. The Samaritan had concern that caused him to stop and look and bear the hurt man’s burden. the Samaritan then showed compassion and ministered to the man’s needs. Concern preceded and brought about compassion.
Jesus showed concern to the widow woman in Luke 7:13, 14, And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. Jesus’ concern for the needs of the widow led to restoring her only son to life. Without concern, Jesus could have passed by this widow and countless others in need without ministering to them.