How To Cope With Compassion Fatigue

I was reading a piece yesterday where the author was recounting the impact that so many crises and disasters were having on our psyche.

Russian President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine continues with destruction and loss of life. Israel is fighting wars on two fronts with Hezbollah and Hamas, who are actually proxies for Iran. Just two weeks after the devastation of Hurricane Helene that ravaged not only Florida, but Georgia, Tennessee, and especially North Carolina, we’re facing another monster storm, Milton, which will have hit the Gulf coast by the time you read this.

All of these crises not only leave property destruction in their wake, but leave people affected who need help. In addition to the US government, individuals, charities, and churches are assisting with aid, asking not only for prayers but monetary contributions.

Rarely does a day pass that I don’t receive a request for a donation to a worthwhile cause. St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Disabled American Veterans. Feeding Tampa Bay. Sacred Selections. Shelter Box USA. American Heart Association. Rotary Foundation. Florida College Scholarship Fund. And many, many more.

The sheer volume of these requests along with the avalanche of news can leave us, as one writer termed it, with “compassion fatigue.”

Apparently this has become a concept in the field of traumatology. It is the mental, emotional and physical toll the stress of caring about and for others has on us. Unless we personably know those affected, it’s easy to become detached and disengaged.

The Bible warned against this phenomena before it was ever called “compassion fatigue.” Paul admonished, “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal. 6:9). Also to the Thessalonians, he wrote, “Never tire of doing what is right” (2 Thess. 3:13).

From a positive perspective the apostle encouraged, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

So, how to we cope with “compassion fatigue”?

#1 Choose to be compassionate like Christ.

Don’t allow the sheer volume of requests or problems to diminish your feelings of compassion. We’re called to have the attitude of Christ (Phil. 2:5) and to follow His example (1 Pet. 2:20-22). Jesus was often “moved with compassion” when He encountered the sick, the suffering, and the sinful.

#2 Realize we cannot do everything.

There are limits to our resources. Not just financially, but also in terms of time, energy, ability and opportunity. Even Jesus didn’t heal everyone. Or solve every social ill. Accept that you can only do what you can do.

#3 Take time to recharge your emotional and spiritual batteries.

We see Jesus taking time alone to go to the mountains to pray. Or removing himself from the pressing needs of the crowds. Develop your own plan for self-care through devotion, meditation, relaxation, and prayer.

#4 Enlist others to help.

Don’t try to do everything by yourself. Delegate large tasks. Call on friends, family, or brethren to share in your efforts and to bear the ministry burden.

#5 Spend some time in nature.

It’s no accident that the Psalmist offers many Psalms extolling the beauty of nature. Enjoying God’s creation is a wonderful way to decompress, unwind, and relax.

While compassion fatigue is real, let’s not allow it to render us ineffective in serving both God and our fellow man. Find ways that work for you to cope. And imbibing the advice of John Wesley you serve you well.

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman