Compassion

What is compassion?

Compassion is…outreach, love, empathy, agony/painful, understanding, caring, selfless, mindful, companionship, unashamed.

Defined, compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

Melba Petillo Beals, author of Warriors Don’t Cry, says compassion is…tenacious, courageous, architect of hope, cheerleader, guardian, risk takers, comforters, fair, playful, daring, welcoming, spiritual, understanding, givers of dignity.

A compassionate ministry is made up of compassionate people. What does a compassionate person look like? A compassionate person is someone who strives to put the needs of others before their own. This doesn’t mean that they will always achieve this high standard, but they make the attempt. A compassionate person goes to the broken and hurting. They look beyond the rough, dirty, and tough exterior and look to the heart; they do their best to make an impact and be a light in another’s world.

A compassionate ministry portrays all the things stated above. A compassionate ministry is love, outreach, and empathy. A compassionate ministry does feel deep sympathy and sorrow for others stricken by misfortune. A compassionate ministry is full of tenacious and courageous people willing to be an architect of hope to the hopeless. A compassionate person wants to be someone’s cheerleader, guardian, and comforter. They love to have fun and long to distract the hurting, if only for a little while, to show them a good time. They want to show everyone the love of Jesus. They are welcoming and understanding.

And a compassionate ministry definitely loves Jesus.