Compassion

I have been thinking about the word "compassion" today. Do we only have to be compassionate in big things, like poverty and abuse? I assume that is not the case for us as Christ followers. I am under the assumption that all of our responses, spoken or in action, should be presented in a spirit of mercy and love; compassion! And how do we share with people we love when they are making a literal "ass" of themselves? I would want to know if people in my life (people who genuinely love me) are standing around shaking their heads when I am acting contrary to my Christian calling - acting in a way that is anything but compassionate. OK - it would most likely break my heart, but isn't a broken spirit and a contrite heart what God desires? Help me out here friends. How do you approach those loved ones in your life that are tearing down rather than building up? Choosing when to display their compassion based on a selfish end result rather than immediate relationship opportunity!?!