In ministry, a compassionate heart, ready and loving, is paramount when remembering our role and calling to love. Many obstacles can hinder our ability to be fully present and compassionate towards those we serve. Caregivers often recount moments of fear, self-consciousness, anger, haste, or pride that have impeded their compassionate response in times of crisis. These experiences, however, are valuable lessons in presence and in recognizing the grace that sustains us in our ministries. The path is one of continuous learning and inevitable mistakes, yet these missteps do not diminish our worthiness of ministry. Instead, they guide us deeper into the essential aspects of faith-based service. Over two decades, I’ve come to believe that cultivating compassion is a profoundly healing instrument within our vocation. Compassion is both a precious gift to cherish and a skill to refine in the vital work of chaplaincy and congregational care.
Sixteen years ago, I initiated Magdalene, a ministry dedicated to women overcoming histories of prostitution, addiction, and trauma. We established six residential communities fostering communal living and Thistle Farms, a social enterprise producing natural bath and body care products. Our aim is to cultivate an environment of mutual support, learning to live and work together with non-judgmental love, prioritizing healing and mercy. My personal challenge lies in trusting others’ perceptions. Self-doubt and concern over external judgment can distract from genuine engagement with those in need. In moments of worry or preoccupation, the temptation arises to conceal shortcomings or inflate successes. Relapses and deaths, in particular, trigger anxieties about appearing incompetent, questioning the program’s efficacy, or fearing a loss of credibility. Yet, the resounding lesson, consistently demonstrated by the community of Magdalene and others, is that honesty and presence invite kindness and generous love. In times of brokenness, genuine empathy and shared sorrow emerge.
Compassion Beyond Self-Focus in Ministry
Love should not be constrained by fear. Insecurities about inadequacy or judgment must not impede compassionate action. Guardedness, feelings of inadequacy, or anxieties about external perceptions of ministry effectiveness obstruct genuine compassion.
I recall a visit to a Roman church with my family. My son, with the pure heart of a six-year-old healer, asked to light a candle for his aunt Sandi. This simple act, lighting a candle, required no credentials, medical or pastoral degrees, or institutional affiliation. Compassionate caregiving fundamentally requires a heart open to another’s healing. My son’s love for his aunt fueled his desire for her well-being, following a severe injury in a bus accident in Cameroon. Our Rome trip occurred after several surgeries, yet her healing journey still faced significant hurdles.
His candle-lighting resonated deeply. He took a euro, entered an ancient side chapel, lit a long match, and ignited a small votive. Witnessing this simple act stirred within me the beautiful, innocent faith of childhood, the wonder of tradition, and the enduring hope for loved ones. It also evoked the poignant feeling of human helplessness. Despite our efforts and prayers, outcomes remain uncertain. Yet, perhaps, this simple act is profoundly sufficient. A single candle can illuminate the darkest times, guiding us towards a brighter dawn. This small act of compassion could forge an eternal, loving connection between my son and his aunt. Leaving the church, I yearned to embrace my son, holding onto his unadulterated compassion. But inevitably, he will grow, encountering self-doubt and the complexities of reality, perhaps hesitating to light candles. He might question the impact of small acts of compassion, forgetting their power to ignite hearts.
Scripture for Reflection
But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. (Isaiah 43:1b – 4a NIV)
Prayer for Compassionate Ministry
“Gracious and Compassionate Lord, we thank you for the freedom to live in your forgiving light. You teach us to love others as ourselves. Grant us the vision to see ourselves as your sacred children. We are grateful for another day to love you anew. Remind us of your gentle spirit and strengthen us to bear our burdens today. Instill in us the understanding that every person is worthy of your healing and deserving of dignity. Amen.”
Excerpted from: The Gift of Compassion: A Guide to Helping those Who Grieve by Becca Stevens. ©2012 Abingdon Press. Used by permission.
