Compassion
Caring enough to do something about someone else's needs
WEEK 1
We start the month in Matthew 5:14-16 with the Sermon on the
Mount. In this passage, Jesus announced to the crowd, “You are the light of the
world.” Each of us can shine God’s light to the world around us. When we shine our
light by living God’s way, we bring glory to God and show people what God is
like.
Bottom Line: You can shine God’s light. God didn’t give us
light so that it could be hidden. God
gave us light so that we could shine brightly . . . and so that the world could
see Who God is. When we look around and identify those who could use some light
in their lives—and then do something about it—we reflect God’s light.
WEEK 2
In week 2, we read about a massive miracle found in John 6:1-13.
Jesus had just crossed over the Sea of Galilee with His disciples when a
massive crowd arrived. Jesus knew that the people would be hungry . . . and
instead of sending them on their way, He had compassion on them and fed them.
With a little boy’s small meal of only five loaves and two fish, Jesus turned a
small amount of food into a huge blessing.
Bottom Line: Use what you have to help others. Some light is
better than no light. Whether it’s a flashlight lighting up what’s in front of
you or a spotlight illuminating the whole stage, each light impacts those who
need it. God has given each of us something we can offer to help someone
else—whether we have a lot or only a little. Any amount of light can make a
difference in someone’s life.
WEEK 3
In week 3, we head to Mark 10:46-52. Jesus was headed out of
the city with His disciples and a crowd in tow. Even though there were several
people surrounding Jesus, one voice stood out above the others. A man named Bartimaeus,
who was blind, sat on the side of the road begging for help. When Bartimaeus
heard that Jesus was passing by, he shouted to ask Jesus for mercy. The crowd tried
to shush Bartimaeus, but Jesus brought him forward and made time for him, changing his life forever.
Bottom Line: Make time to help others. Think back to a moment
when someone helped you learn a new skill or helped you with a school project.
How did you feel in that moment? When we make time to help others, we reflect Who
Jesus is to them. Not only can we make a lasting impact in their life, but the
act of showing compassion changes us too.
WEEK 4
For week 4, we head to 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Paul was writing
a letter to the church in Corinth in which he shared about the troubles he and
Timothy had faced. Yet in the midst of all their difficulties, Paul and Timothy
were still able to praise God because of the comfort God offered them. In this
passage, Paul encouraged the believers in Corinth to offer comfort to others
who were in trouble because of the comfort they had experienced from God.
Bottom Line: Comfort others the way God comforts you. What
brings you the most comfort? Maybe it’s a blanket, ice cream, or giving your
pet a big squeeze. Maybe it’s talking with a friend or binge-watching your
favorite show. As good as those choices may be, the best comfort of all comes
from God. And because of God’s comfort towards us, we can be a comfort to
others too.
WEEK 5
We wrap up the month in John 8:12, where Jesus said to the
people, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in
darkness. They will have that light. They will have life.” Because of Jesus, we
never have to go through life alone. Jesus brings light to guide us and help us
grow. And, of course, the light of Jesus meets our greatest need. When we turn
away from our sins and choose to follow Jesus, it’s as if He shines a bright
light into our hearts and our lives.
Bottom Line: Jesus is the light of the world. Sometimes it’s
hard to see past our current circumstances. When darkness surrounds us, how do
we move forward? We take time to remember that Jesus came to be the light of
the world. Jesus’ light shines so bright that darkness cannot overcome it. When
Jesus died on the cross, He showed the ultimate example of compassion towards
us.
