I just finished reading The Compassion Revolution: How God Can Use You to Meet the Worlds Greatest Needs
by Dave Donaldson, cofounder of Convoy of Hope. It is one of the better social justice books I have read this year. Here are three reasons I enjoyed the book. First, the chapters are short and to the point. I never read more than one chapter per day, and it fit my busy schedule perfectly. Second, each chapter is filled with stories that inspire action. More than once I finished a chapter with tears in my eyes. Third, nearly every chapter has a “What Can I Do? Practical Ways to Make a Difference…” section. There are over 50 different suggestions that are both simple and concrete.
At the end of the book Donaldson offers a “Declaration of Compassion,” and although he calls it a “work in progress,” I find the declarations worth sharing!
Declaration 1
Compassion revolutionaries become aware of the depth and immensity of the needs of others.
Declaration 2
Compassion revolutionaries recognize the biblical imperative to care for the needs of “the least of these.”
Declaration 3
Compassion revolutionaries challenge the perception that the problem is too big to be fixed, and they catch the vision of being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Declaration 4
Compassion revolutionaries change their priorities so more time and resources can flow to others. They don’t allow self-interest to completely determine their decisions and votes, but consider how their choices affect the poor and needy.
Declaration 5
Compassion revolutionaries reach out to meet needs worldwide without neglecting the needs in their own backyard.
Declaration 6
Compassion revolutionaries look for ways to cooperate with others to bring about healing and change.
Declaration 7
Compassion revolutionaries find the joy and fulfillment that comes from making a difference in other people’s lives.
What do you think?
