Henri Nouwen, in his book, "Compassion", writes this amazing sentence: "Compassion is not an individual character trait, a personal attitude, or a special talent, but a way of living together." He goes on to say, "We witness to God's compassionate presence in the world by the way we live and work together." In other words, conveying God's compassion is community work--each of us bringing our gifts and talents for something much bigger than ourselves.
This is challenging. We live in an individualistic society where it is very easy, in practical terms, not to show such compassion to our friends and neighbors. In such a lonely world compassion calls us into community for the sake of others. We gather not to be entertained but to be sent out.
This week, Catalyst continues "Do Something" and we will get opportunities to be God's compassionate presence to a hurting world. Not alone but as a community. I am excited to see what God is going to do through us.
See you Thursday night @ 7pm. Childcare is provided.
Get ready to do something.
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