Compassion is what drives people to go above and beyond to ease the pain of others, whether that be physical, mental, or emotional. Having compassion is being sensitive to others’ emotions. Compassion is empathy and concern for someone else’s suffering and hardship.
At Mel Trotter Ministries, we seek to demonstrate compassion to anyone experiencing hunger and homelessness. What does this look like? We asked this question to some of our staff who work every day to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus to all our guests: “What does compassion demonstrated mean to you?” This is what they said:
“Giving grace when it’s the last thing you want to do. It is showing and telling people that they are loved and valued. It is listening to others, going the extra mile, and loving those who are hard to love.”
“It means committing acts of genuine selflessness without any expectation of return and just honestly really helping people.”
“It is being able to help people without them feeling judged.”
Compassion is an action. When you demonstrate compassion, you recognize others who are suffering and then strive to help and care about what they are going through and experiencing. Demonstrating compassion is a deep sense of empathy and then acting on it and showing people you care by putting them before yourself despite how you may feel. Compassion is the tangible expression of love that you show for others – and for us, that is to those who are experiencing hunger and homelessness.
The Bible doesn’t define compassion with words as the dictionary does, but rather illustrates what compassion is, compassion demonstrated.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” – 1 Peter 3:8
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
Mel Trotter Ministries is on a mission to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ by providing safe beds, warm meals, medical, vision, dental, and chiropractic clinics, and outreach and shower trailers that go out into the community to connect and build relationships with people who are unsheltered and offer essentials like food, water, blankets, clothing, and showers. We believe everyone is made in the image of a God who has plans for their life—plans that do not include lifelong homelessness—therefore we seek to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus and build better communities. Every individual deserves to be shown dignity, be reminded they have inherent value, and live a life free from homelessness.
You can demonstrate compassion to those experiencing hunger and homelessness in Grand Rapids and discover how your compassion can change lives forever. Are you looking for ways to get involved? Check out the opportunities here.
