True Compassion?
Did you know that, according to a Harvard study, 56% of doctors say they simply don’t have time for compassion? This was also shared in Demi-Leigh Tebow’s message last week as her father struggles with pancreatic cancer. She spoke of the healing power of compassion and the sadness that 56% of doctors are unwilling to offer it.
But what they cannot do, we so easily can. Studies show that merely 40 seconds of compassion can improve patient outcomes…or anyone’s outcome who is struggling.
So often when people are in trouble or upset we are at a loss for words to show compassion. Sometimes it is enough to simply be there for them. Words are unnecessary. Other times, here are some phrases that may help you as you reach out to those around you:
- “I am here for you.”
- “You are not alone.”
- “I care about you.”
- “I love you.”
- “I am standing with you in this.”
- “I am praying for you right now in your struggle.”
What is one way God can use our difficult times and struggles for good? We can reach out to others with the same compassion God reaches out to us. Paul tells us, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God,” (2 Cor. 1:3-4).
May each of us share at least the 40 seconds of compassion someone needs this week. Pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit to know when and how to respond in a world torn and in trauma. He knows every heart and will guide your every step. You only need to ask.
