Compassion and Appreciation

While having lunch with my pastor the other day, we talked about a change that will happen in our church. A staff member will be leaving to move back home to her hometown. It will be announced tomorrow morning during worship service.

I shared with my pastor that I had two thoughts which were compassion and appreciation. Compassion because as someone who has lived with chronic pain for over thirty years, I understand what the staff person has been going through. She has had health struggles, one with her kidney for several months and the other a bad disc in her beck. I shared that I felt God would want us to respond with compassion understanding her desire to be back home where her mom can help her with her children.

Appreciation was the other thought. She stepped into a role and did wonderful things refocusing her area of ministry to be focused on Jesus. She did so during a pandemic with all that entails. She served even though she lived with pain. I believe she will hear, “Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant” from Jesus.

It made me wonder how often do I show compassion and appreciation. Though they may seem unrelated, there is a connection. Both of them have to do with healthy relationships and encouraging each other.

Think of someone who is working through heavy issues. What they want is a listening ear, not quick clichés, What they need is compassion such as Jesus would show them.

Think of how good it feels when someone shows appreciation. Jesus made note of it after healing ten lepers and yet only one came back to thank him.

It brings to mind Colossians 3 verses 12 and 14:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

By showing compassion and appreciation, we can be a blessing, we can protect each other, and we can enjoy healthy relationships.

Thank you for reading. God Bless.