Compassion Fatigue

Brian Chair

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Our world is inundated with instant access news. We can know what happened on the other side of the planet in minutes. That being the case, every day has reports of new tragedy. Here are some shocking statistics:

  • In 2015, the U.S. State Department counted 11,774 terror attacks that caused the death of 28,328 people.
  • Each day, an average of 12 teenagers commit suicide in the U.S. alone.
  • Each day, an average of 20 people gave their lives for no other reason than the fact that they publically identify with the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Each day, 3,000 babies were killed by abortions in America alone
  • Each day, over 20,000 children die around the world, all of preventable causes.

Sadly, the vast majority of these deaths never made the headlines in Augusta, because they were not considered newsworthy. They would not have gotten our attention. These days it takes something truly extraordinary and horrific for us to notice. In addition, if you ever get the chance to sit down and talk to anyone…and they get honest…you will find that everyone’s individual life is filled with struggle: family, friendships, health, and any number of other things that weigh heavy on the human heart.

Is it any wonder that we all come to the point where we start tuning out tragedy? I heard a term for the first time earlier this week: Compassion Fatigue. It is the gradual lessening of compassion over time as a result of the frequency of exposure. Many professions that are caregivers are known to struggle with this. However, I think we all can from time to time. Dissociating ourselves from the pain around us is a defense mechanism that is common to most people.

Paul addressed this in his letter to the Galatians. He encouraged them to not grow weary in doing good, because they would reap a harvest. There was one condition: don’t quit! As we are going, we can easily be overcome by how much need there is around us. Few people have the compulsion to try and fix everything. More commonly, the response is to do nothing because it is too daunting a task. I think the healthy response is to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s direction, and only do what He commands. Jesus said that in John 5 when he declared that He only did what He saw His father doing. I think that if we are sensitive, we will see the Father doing things, and we can join in!

It is said that this is the most wonderful time of the year. For many, however, that is not the case at all. I pray that you might ask the Holy Spirit to heal you from any compassion fatigue that you might be experiencing. If we pay attention, I am sure we see the Father at work around our lives, giving us opportunities to make investments in people that matter. I pray that any weariness you have, might be offset by the power of the Spirit and the assurance of His love…which was forever put on display when Jesus came.

Blessings, 

Pastor Brian