“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

What does it mean to be clothed in compassion? 

Dr. Reginald Finger has worked in disease prevention and health promotion in state and local health departments. He shares a medical perspective on what it means to wear compassion in our neighborhoods and around the world.

“No matter what country you’re in, it starts where you live. Where somebody needs compassion, you will share compassion.”

There are two primary sides of compassion that Dr. Finger addresses:

1. Listening, presence and empathy.

2. When there something specific to be done, you do it.

“Compassion has both of those; the listening, empathy and presence side and the action side.”

We have plenty of opportunities to take action and show the love of Christ around the world. Dr. Finger mentions that we won’t always know when we will come across someone in need of it.

Compassion is doing the right thing, sometimes without warning. When a situation comes up and you can suddenly be compassionate to someone, suddenly remember as the Samaritan did, now’s the time to respond.

“If you’re prepared by an attitude of compassion, then you’re more likely to respond with acts of compassion when the unexpected opportunity hits. It could be here or it could be anywhere on earth.”

The bottom line is that we need to get informed, look for ways that we can listen and be present, then do what needs to be done.

Highlight: Clothed in compassion

Improving global health