Compassion is the feeling of love and mercy aroused when we are confronted with those who are suffering. This feeling produces in us the desire to act in a way that alleviates such suffering - especially for those experiencing poverty.
But frequently our compassionate care is more of an emotional response to an injustice, and less of a strategic one. Here are 4 reasons why the Christian Church needs to take advantage of the growing body of robust, evidence-backed data - and strategically rethink its compassion.
Active compassion is central to our faith:
Alongside discipleship, caring for the hurting and broken is a key mark of the Christian Church (Matthew 25:31-46). Compassionate care for others is an indication that that the Church is displaying the traits of Jesus, who was known for frequently being compelled by compassion for the hurting (Matthew 9:36).
Such compassion goes beyond the emotions of sympathy and empathy, and is a call to thoughtful and deliberate action.
Church leaders are called to be faithful stewards:
All Christians are called to be faithful stewards of their resources (Luke 19:11-27). As Church leaders - stewarding the resources of God's House - the responsibility of stewardship magnifies.
Our congregations dutifully bring their gift into church each Sunday, and they trust us to intelligently and compassionately use it in a way that gives the greatest social return.
Not all compassionate care is created equal:
Over a century of research into poverty (and its alleviation) has provided one unambiguous data point: not all interventions give the same return. Investing $1 to help someone one way might give a social return of $2; the same dollar invested another way might return $17. A third way might return up to $30.
This data is readily available, but few churches use it to truly maximize their compassionate impact.
With a strategic plan, everybody wins:
When the Church has a strategic plan for its compassionate care, its resources are better directed to have the greatest positive impact on those experiencing poverty. But it's not only the recipients of our care who benefit.
By effectively training and directing our congregations in compassionate activity, we are releasing them in their gifts. Furthermore, a caring life is a healthier life: compassion leads to greater psychological wellbeing and social connectivity, reduces depression and anxiety, and positively increases numerous physical health indicators.
Because when we are intentional with how we help people, our collective efforts can have exponential impact.
Dr Phillip Barnard is committed to helping more people engage practically, intelligently and compassionately with the issue of poverty in our world. For training, speaking and other support, please enquire here.