Compassion: The Driving Force

It has been stressed many times now that Scouts and Scouters care about others. Medical Missionary Albert Schweitzer said, “The purpose of life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” It is the responsibility of every Scout to see those in need with compassion and a desire to help. The thing to remember is that helping is not just tossing money at a problem.

For those who are hurting and in need, the most compassionate thing we can do at times is to just come alongside of them with friendship and support. Those struggling through the hurts and difficulties of life can feel very alone and lost. They need someone to come alongside of them with time to listen, to cry with them and to support them. Compassion is not giving things it is giving our self. One of the best examples we had was Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Her mission to the sick and dying was to show love and care to some of the most unloved and uncared for people on earth.

“Kindness can become its own motive.  We are kind by being kind.”

Eric Hoffer

1902-1983

Author

Scouts and Scouters understand that God has never wasted our time. We have all been through difficult spells and understood heartbreak. We can take this understanding to help others who are traveling down roads we have been down. Christian singer Amy Grant said, “But my experience is that people who have been through painful, difficult times are filled with compassion.”

It is easy to think of compassion applying only to the mission field or some charity that you have no responsibility for. We can give a few bucks and be done with it and feel good we have done our part. However, what about the neighbor who lost a spouse to death or divorce? What about the parents of a sick or rebellious child? What about the family member who is depressed and lonely? The need to show compassion is all around us. You will not have to look far to find a need that you can fill and a person who needs your love and support.

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel said, “A religious man is a person who holds God and man in one thought at one time, at all times, who suffers harm done to others, whose greatest passion is compassion, whose greatest strength is love and defiance of despair.” This is the Scout who is ready to care for those who need him or her, whether around the world, down the street or in their house.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey