DEUT647 Compassion is a deep emotional feeling arising out of identification with the other that seeks a concrete expression. Compassion flows between equals or from the more powerful to the less powerful, as we see in the Torah, where it never expresses human feelings for God. It does, however, apply to a human king caring for subjects (Genesis/Bereshit 43:14) and to God caring for humanity [this verse]. These defining features help us understand what touches and moves people to act as they do when they manifest compassion. … Compassion comes into being only by being put to use. It is like a skill or a tool that gains its full value only when used. And like a skill or the use of a tool, it can be cultivated. When the Rambam discusses the commandment we are given to emulate God by "walking in His ways" (Deuteronomy 28:98), he says, "Just as He is called gracious, so you should be gracious. Just as He is called compassionate, so you should be compassionate." We are enjoined to be compassionate, taking God as our model. Because we more easily perceive our separation than our oneness with others, we slip into judgment more easily than we rise to compassion. We need to be told to walk in God's footsteps by acting to cultivate compassion in our hearts. Imitating the divine trait of compassion is not just a lovely ideal. We are assured that it is within our grasp to do so, however, because "He will bestow upon you [the attribute of] compassion and show mercy to you" [this verse]. The capacity for compassion is innate within us. But to bring that quality from potential to actuality, we need to take steps to confront the obstacles to compassion. The primary barrier to being compassionate is the sense that you and I are separate from each other.… Compassion can come into existence only when you lower the barriers that ordinarily wall off and isolate your own sense of self. … and draw closer so that [you] can feel within [yourself] the truth of that other person's experience, and so see with eyes of compassion…