Compassion isn’t about helping ourselves. On putting compassion to work in ways that helps others:
The compassion industry is almost universally accepted as a virtuous and constructive enterprise.
But what is so surprising is that its outcomes are almost entirely unexamined. The food we ship to Haiti, the well we dig in Sudan, the clothes we distribute in inner-city Detroit—all seem like such worthy efforts. Yet those closest to the ground—on the receiving end of this outpouring of generosity—quietly admit that it may be hurting more than helping. How? Dependency. Destroying personal initiative. When we do for those in need what they have the capacity to do for themselves, we disempower them.
[Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to Reverse It), Robert D. Lupton (HarperOne; 2011: New York NY), Chapter One: The Scandal, Pages 2-3.]
There are good reasons to be compassionate. Why not put our compassion to work in a system we can really have faith in? Examine outcomes, then give. Better yet, give time and volunteer. Build a relationship with those who receive.
Building Capacity Connotes An Ongoing Relationship
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