The Gift of Compassion
A Guide to Helping Those Who Grieve
Published November 2012
Offer what is most needed when words cannot be enough.
Unfortunately, grief and loss are inevitable parts of living. No one escapes. Even so, it's difficult to know how to console those who have reached a broken place in their lives. What is the best way to show compassion when words cannot be enough?In The Gift of Compassion, author Becca Stevens offers practical help for pastors, Stephen ministers, congregational caregivers, and other laity serving the broken-hearted. With a central message on the importance of simply being present for people who are grieving, Stevens combines practical how-to's with prayers, Scriptures, suggestions fro ways to serve the sacraments, and inspiration about the peace of God that passes all understanding.
This small book outlines meaningful ways to show compassion through planning visits, writing notes, finding appropriate Scriptures and prayer to read, avoiding cliches, and offering the presence of God to people suffering through the dark and searching experience of grief.
About the Author
Becca Stevens
Becca Stevens is a justice entrepreneur, survivor of childhood sexual abuse, a priest, and a tireless advocate for women survivors in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, and around the world.
Her belief that love heals is the underlying theme behind everything she does. Becca has founded 10 justice initiatives around the world and has helped raise more than $55 million in private funds to lift women out of poverty and into freedom. She is the president of Thistle Farms, leading its network of sister organizations.
Becca has been featured everywhere from NPR to the New York Times, the TODAY Show to ABC World News. She has been recognized as Nexstar's 2026 Remarkable Woman of the Year, a Top 10 CNN Hero, and a White House Champion of Change. She counts among her supporters Bishop Michael Curry, Nicholas Kristof, and Jenna Bush Hager.
She has heard and experienced stories from women all over the world, always finding more signs of God’s love even in the most horrific circumstances. Her work is her joy. She believes she was born at the crossroads where crafts and justice meet to heal the world.
