Not There Yet: Becoming Compassionate
We’re in our fourth week on the Not There Yet series and we’ve already covered thankfulness, justice and new we’re on to compassion. While the concept seems good, we don’t often think about what compassion requires of us. It’s not just a nice sentiment, but a deep orientation of our heart and spirit toward others. We’ll look this week at how God is and always has been compassionate, and how we can be compassionate toward others because he has shown compassion to us.
Questions To Ponder:
What would make you want to go and hear someone teach (again) in a public setting like Jesus does in John 8:2? What about the content would attract you, what about the person would?
Compassion isn’t a talking point. It’s the motivation ________________ our talking and actions. What does this mean? Can compassion just be an act?
What outcomes from John 8:1-6 would have satisfied the Pharisees and scribes?
Are compassion and the law opposed to each other? Must you bend or ignore the law to show compassion?
Pastor Nate described compassion as a “_____________________.” It literally means “to yearn from the bowels” (heart, kidneys, liver). How would you describe compassion in your own words?
If you were in this story from John 8, what would your goal be? Blind justice, or compassion making room for repentance and forgiveness? Is there a situation in your life where this lesson is happening?
Answers: 2. inside, 5. loving ache
The Theme in Song:
This song is one of my favourite songs that I learned while I was a student at Briercrest College in Saskatchewan between 2008-2013. This song was a powerful expression of praise, a clear declaration about the compassion of God, and the marvelous forgiveness He offers in Jesus. It’s a simple song, and easy to just keep on singing!