Mercy and Compassion

[Khay See]

So it is true a shepherd with mercy and compassion would lead his flocks far better than a shepherd without one. It is the “central features of pastoral leadership” as mentioned by the author. It is the shepherd that has mercy and compassion that will be able to gather his scattered sheep. “Sacrifice” is the other big theme of a shepherd as reminded by the gospel of John. Without mercy and compassion, there would not be any “sacrifice.” A shepherd without mercy and compassion would not sacrifice himself for his flock. Likewise, a shepherd who is not willing to sacrifice himself would not have mercy and compassion.
I am beginning to quiver at the prospect of being a shepherd. Realising what it takes to be one is really not for the faint of heart. One wonders if that is why many have left the position? Mercy, compassion and sacrifice, those are valiant words. It takes a transformed heart to have all of those.