COMPASSION

“Next to love, compassion is the most powerful gift we can give or receive.”

A pastor went to dinner in the home of one of his church families. The evening began with a pleasant exchange of conversation and warm fellowship. The pastor, however, noticed that the parents were unusually strict with their 5 year-old daughter. Perhaps they just wanted her to be on her best behavior for the pastor.

Halfway through the dinner, the little girl knocked over her drink and instantly looked up at her parents with mortal fear written all over her face. The pastor, watching all this, purposefully knocked over his drink. Another couple present knocked over theirs. The anger on the faces of the parents slowly melted away and turned to a smile. They both reached out and knocked over their drinks as well! The whole group broke out into hysterical laughter and had a wonderful rest of the evening, all because of the compassion of the pastor for the little girl.,

Jesus teaches us compassion in another situation found in Matthew 9:35-38. Read about it.

3 Biblical Truths on Compassion
Compassion requires being with people & looking for their needs.
Compassion requires identifying with the people’s situation and what they feel.
True compassion results in action.

My Time With God

Preparation Time
Read Psalm 111:1-4.

Which area of your life does your level of compassion need improvement and why?

Compassion with your Spouse:
Compassion with your Children:
Compassion with your Friends:
Compassion with your Co-workers:
Compassion with Strangers:

Waiting Time
During your waiting time, let God…

Love You.
“God, I feel Your love today, especially in the area of…”

Search You.
“God, you have permission to reveal any lack of compassion that You see in my life.”

Show You.
“God, is there anything that I need to know as I enter this day?”

Confession Time
Read Matthew 25:40-46.

Confess the issues that God is speaking to you about in the area of compassion:

Bible Time
We can never pray out of God’s will when we pray God’s Word.

…Read these Scripture passages slowly a couple of times:
Psalm 78:37-39
Psalm 111:2-4
Mark 1:40-41
Mark 5:33-37
…Close your eyes & allow a main truth to surface in your heart.
…Pray the Scripture & allow God to minister to you.

Meditation Time
After praying the Scriptures, write down the thoughts that God has impressed upon your mind:

Intercession Time – Praying for Others
Begin this time with a prayer of blessing & thanksgiving for the people for whom you will now intercede. Pray God’s mercy & compassion over them.
Name Request

Petition Time – Praying for Yourself

How to Petition God Properly
Talk to Him about the “little things”
Be honest with God
Pray “Thy will be done”

Prayer Requests

Application Time
The smallest obedient act is better than the greatest intention.

Q: What is the main thing that God has impressed upon me today?

Q: What am I going to do about it?

Steps to Take in My Obedience to God This Week:

My Goal: To implement the above steps in the next 7 days.

Faith Time
Faith is our positive response to what God has said. Spend a few moments praying, through your eyes of faith. Tell God the positive things you see happening because of His goodness!

Praise & Thanksgiving Time

Praise God by recognizing WHO HE IS!
Thank God by recognizing WHAT HE HAS DONE!

This Week’s Memory Verse: Psalm 111:3-4

This Week’s Time Alone With God

Wednesday – This Lesson

Thursday – Write a prayer describing the compassion Jesus had for us when He went to the Cross.

Friday – Make a list of hurting people and pray for their needs.

Saturday – Ask God to lay a name on your heart of someone who needs a touch of compassion; then YOU do it!

Sunday – Review your memory verse.