Simple courtesy is a kind quality. It's the extension of your inner goodness, a show of respect for humankind. Courtesy, met with a lack of courtesy, leaves one person feeling ungrateful and alone. The other person knows that one small act of common courtesy has the power to change a life. They continue to extend their goodness with uncommon kindness.
Consideration is a gentle quality - courtesy taken one step further.
It challenges your perspective and stands you in the light of a new point of view. Whether you're taking the thoughts, feelings and circumstances of others into consideration, or considering your own, the exercise expands your capacity to 'see, think and feel'. Compassion is a quality of strength. It takes consideration to a deeper level and charges you with the responsibility of acknowledging the plight of your fellow human beings. It is a process of caring that heeds the needs of your own well-being and reserves enough strength to care about the needs of others.