Zylla, Phil C.2017-10-302017-10-302017-08-31Zylla, P.C., 2017, ‘Inhabiting compassion: A pastoral theological paradigm’, HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 73(4), a4644. https://doi.org/ 10.4102/hts.v73i4.4644.0259-9422 (print)2072-8050 (online)10.4102/hts.v73i4.4644http://hdl.handle.net/2263/62944Prof. Dr Phil Zylla is participating in the research project, ‘Gender Studies and Practical Theology Theory Formation’, directed by Prof. Dr Yolanda Dreyer, Department of Practical Theology, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria.Inspired by the vision of care in Vincent van Gogh’s depiction of the parable of the Good Samaritan, this article offers a paradigm for inhabiting compassion. Compassion is understood in this article as a moral emotion that is also a pathocentric virtue. This definition creates a dynamic view of compassion as a desire to alleviate the suffering of others, the capacity to act on behalf of others and a commitment to sustain engagement with the suffering other. To weave this vision of compassion as a habitus rather than a theoretical construct, the article develops three phases of compassion: seeing, companioning and sighing. This framework deepens and augments a pastoral theological paradigm of compassion with the aim of inculcating an inhabited compassion in caregivers and the communities in which they participate.en© 2017. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.Good SamaritanCompassionPathocentric virtueSufferingInhabiting compassionParableGood SamaritanTheology articles SDG-03SDG-03: Good health and well-beingTheology articles SDG-10SDG-10: Reduced inequalitiesTheology articles SDG-16SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutionsArticle