Compassion

After our baptism, an even greater baptism –
If I may make so bold as to put it that way -
Is the baptism provided by our tears.
Our first baptism cleansed all our former sins…
The baptism of our tears cleanses us anew
By the gift of compassion
God gives to the human race.

John Klimakos

Forgiveness is one thing – if not seemingly the only thing – for most believers in North America. Forgiveness is the only argument to justify most leaders even though there should be three: forgiveness, qualification, and call.

If I was asked to give but one requirement to the one desiring to lead believers, it would be that they sit among the dying, care for the insane, attend many divorce proceedings, work in an orphanage, and comfort the parents of a child gone awry before they are allowed to proceed.

Perhaps there would be less leaders but we would all be more prepared for real ministry which is not founded upon teaching, publication and popularity but on caring, comforting and compassion. It is easy to preach at people until you walk an hour in their personal hell. I am so glad that God led me to step out of the pulpit and into real life.