Compassion Fatigue

[JoeMo]

I'm having some trouble lately feeling sincere compassion for every cause that requires compassion - be it time or money.  Every time I contribute online or via an appeal at church or through the community, I become an eternal recipient of snail mail and email to give more.  Every busy intersection has one or more people with a sign wanting help, usually ending with "God Bless You".  I'd guess half of them or more are "self-medicating".  Most of the other half is mentally ill or have too little education or intelligence to hold down steady employment.  Church needs money for this or that cause. ASPCA needs contributions for abandoned animals.  Several organizations make appeals on behalf of veterans. Children's hospitals beg for money so kids can get affordable treatment.  On top of that, the government is considering forcing you and me to finance abortions through Medicaid and feed, clothe, house, and provide medical services for millions of illegal immigrants through taxes.  I'm getting tired of being asked to give to everyone all the time; and being "guilted" if I don't. I call it compassion fatigue.  When I pick and choose who to give to, I wonder if I'm "discriminating somehow by giving to one worthy cause and not another.

Then I look at Jesus.  I don't see Him ever suffering from compassion fatigue.  Every time He tried to get away by Himself, when the crowds found Him, He had compassion on them all; healed everyone, and cared deeply about all with whom he came in contact.  I justify my compassion fatigue with the excuse that Jesus had infinite resources at His disposal.  I do not.

Do any of you feel the same way?  How do you deal with it?

[phkrause]

Not any different than you! Actually a lot of times I feel bad I don't have any money in my pockets to give!! 

[JoeMo]

Trying to be compassionate with all the worthy causes out there is in addition to trying to provide compassionate care for aging or disabled family members - some of whom don't appreciate (or even want) the care and concern.