• Topic > Christian Living > Compassion >

    “The ministry of presence”

    According to Ann Voskamp, “When pain is the deepest, words are the fewest.” Today on Discover the Word, the team and special guest Ann Voskamp consider how sometimes we’re called to say nothing. Listen today to hear about “the ministry of presence” on Discover the Word!

    Becoming a safe place for others

    I’ll bet every one of us hid under the covers when we were kids. We were looking for a safe place, but today on Discover the Word, special guest Ann Voskamp shows us how can we become a safe place for others. Ann Voskamp joins the team at the table right here on Discover the Word!

    Love as a “roof”

    Today on Discover the Word, special guest Ann Voskamp is at the table with the team, to talk about one of Jesus’s most important statements. Discover what that statement is, and why Ann finds the image of love as a “roof” so encouraging. Don’t miss today on Discover the Word!

    “Broken and given”

    Today on Discover the Word, Ann Voskamp tells the group about a life-changing trip she made recently to Iran to share the compassion of Jesus. Join them as they discuss how we all can use whatever position we’re in to be “broken and given” for those around us. Discover what that means when you tune […]

    Constant Kindness

    When I was a child I was an ardent reader of L. Frank Baum’s Land of Oz books. I recently came across Rinkitink in Oz with all the original artwork. I laughed again at the antics of Baum’s portly, irrepressible, good-hearted King Rinkitink with his down-to-earth goodness. Young Prince Inga described him best: “His heart is kind and gentle and that is far better than being wise.”

    How simple and how sensible! Yet who has not jarred the heart of someone dear to us by a harsh word? In so doing we disturb the peace and quiet of the hour and…

    I Didn’t Care About Starving Kids in Africa

    It was Christmas morning. The whole family was together, even though most of the children were married and starting their own families. We were about to open presents.

    Compassion: Learning to Love Like Jesus

    Displaying the character of Christ is not always easy, especially in a society that promotes selfish ambition. In this booklet, Dr. Vernon Grounds brings clarity to the meaning of compassion as he examines the life of Jesus. Discover how you can become a channel of God’s love and kindness when you follow the example of Christ—the One whose compassion never fails.

    Broken and Shaken, but Far from Forsaken

    I grew up in Chile; life was good then. My father had an important position in a large company and my mother worked as an army nurse. We led a carefree existence in a neighborhood away from civilization.

    What If Your Neighbor is a Prostitute?

    A few scantily-dressed women flirt with passers-by in a dimly lit alley. Some of them strike up conversations and bargain with potential customers, while others wait around for customers to offer them a price.

    Dealing with the “Death Knock’”

    The words “death knock” is enough to make my knees go weak and my hands go clammy. A “death knock” involves a journalist showing up on the doorstep of a family who has just lost a loved one for a story.

    A Lesson Learned

    Mary was widowed and facing serious health challenges when her daughter invited her to move into the new “granny apartment” attached to her home. Although it would involve leaving friends and the rest of her family many miles away, Mary rejoiced in God’s provision.

             Six months into her new life, the initial joy and contentment threatened to slip away as she was tempted to grumble inwardly and doubt whether the move was really God’s perfect plan. She missed her Christian friends, and her new church was too far away to get to independently.

             Then she read something that the great…

    Out in the Cold

    In desperation, a woman called the housing assistance center where I worked. A heating problem had turned her rental home into a freezer with furniture. Panicked, she asked me how she would care for her children. I hurriedly replied with the scripted official response: “Just move into a hotel and send the landlord the bill.” She angrily hung up on me. 

                I knew the textbook answer to her question, but I had completely missed her heart. She wanted someone to understand her fear and desperation. She needed to know she wasn’t alone. In essence, I had left her out in…

    Forgiveness for those who hurt us the most

    Is there a family hurt you can’t seem to get past? A word, an action, or a mistake that makes forgiveness seem impossible? Today on Discover the Word, we will discuss how to offer God’s forgiveness to those who’ve hurt us the most. We’re finding “The Beauty of Broken” today  on Discover the Word!

    My Personal Space

    An industrial design graduate from a Singapore university was challenged in a workshop to come up with a novel solution to a common problem using only ordinary objects. She created a vest to protect one’s personal space from being invaded while traveling in the crush of crowded public trains and buses. The vest was covered with long, flexible plastic spikes normally used to keep birds and cats away from plants.

    Jesus knew what it was like to lose His personal space in the commotion of crowds desperate to see and touch Him. A woman who had suffered from constant bleeding for…

    Justice, mercy, and grace in perfect harmony

    There are events in life that call for justice. Other times, we’re desperately seeking mercy. And almost every day, we’re in need of grace! Well, today on “Discover the Word,” we, along with our guest Robert Gelinas discuss how justice, mercy, and grace are displayed in perfect harmony through the person of Jesus Christ. Another intriguing conversation on “The Mercy Prayer” . . . today on “Discover the Word”!