Compassion is how one communicates passion. We may have a passion for healing but unless we are able to communicate this we remain powerless. Compassion is supernatural. It is not just human love for another. It is more than that. It is the ability to feel the pain of another and walk in their shoes. This is not easily done as it means dying to self and being vulnerable. In my profession in psychiatry, I was taught to be objective and keep my distance from my patients. This is one way to cope in situations where life and death are an issue. Decision-making becomes difficult when one is not objective. However, Jesus felt compassion for the lost and the sick. He was able to communicate this to the sufferer and brought healing to them.
Ministry
This may be key in ministry. Many do ministry like a job. However, there is no power in it. Power comes with the ability to empathize with the sufferer. This is not how ministry is done on most occasions. Could it be that we have failed to depend on God when we do ministry? When we depend on God we become vulnerable and dependent on Him. The Holy Spirit was given to us to enable us to do ministry in His power. However, most of us rely on our own power to do ministry. God wants us to be channels of His power. He does not share his glory with anyone. There is only one way to compassion and that is through death to self.
Compassion
Self-glorification never leads to compassion. We are so centered on self that there is no place for God. Compassion is the only way to do ministry. I challenge everyone to search their heart to see if they are operating in compassion. Love must drive everything we do. Where there is no love there is only empty activity. We must repent from our wicked ways of doing ministry and ask God to impart His compassion to us.
