From the perspective of Christian spirituality and ethics, compassionate caring is rooted in the belief that every individual is created in God’s image, deserving of dignity, love, and holistic care. This informs my approach to health and healing by emphasizing not only physical restoration but also emotional and spiritual well-being. The Bible instructs believers to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Holy Bible, 2011, Mark 12:31), which translates into nursing as a call to serve others selflessly. Compassionate caring, therefore, involves empathy, active listening, and a commitment to alleviating suffering, reflecting Christ’s ministry of healing and grace.
In practice, this perspective aligns with a Christian worldview that sees health as more than the absence of disease but as a state of flourishing in body, mind, and spirit. Shelly and Miller (2020) argue that nursing is a sacred vocation where caregivers partner with God in the healing process, integrating faith with professional skills (p. 45). This means advocating for patients, respecting their autonomy, and providing comfort, even in the face of terminal illness. For example, offering prayer or spiritual support—when appropriate—can address the deeper needs often overlooked in secular healthcare settings.
Ultimately, compassionate caring shapes an ethical framework that prioritizes service, justice, and humility. It calls me to view each patient as a whole person, not just a diagnosis, fostering a healing environment grounded in love and faith.
References
Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan.
Shelly, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2020). Called to Care: A Christian Worldview for Nursing (3rd ed.). InterVarsity Press.