Quotes about Compassion

Henri Nouwen said, "In order to be of service to others we have to die to them; that is, we have to give up measuring our meaning and value with the yardstick of others…. thus we become free to be compassionate." When you base your worth and identity on your relationship to Christ, you are freed from the expectations of others, and that allows you to really serve them best.

serving is the highest use of life

Focus on their feelings, not the facts. Begin with sympathy, not solutions.

The Bible says, "You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."14

Albert Schweitzer said, "The only really happy people are those who have learned how to serve.

If you want to be used by God, you must care about what God cares about;

Jesus said our love for each other—not our doctrinal beliefs — is our greatest witness to the world. He said, "Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples."4

They are your family, even when they don't act like it, and you can't just walk out on them. Instead God tells us, "Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love." 7

Because we're sinners, we hurt each other, sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally. But

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

True hospitality is marked by an open response to the dignity of each and every person. Henri Nouwen has described it as receiving the stranger on his own terms, and asserts that it can be offered only by those who 'have found the center of their lives in their own hearts'.

While you live, while it is in your power, be good.