Putting It All Together (02.05.2006)

As we wrap up our study of compassion, here are some of the key points we've discovered over the past several months:

ASPECTS OF COMPASSION

• Compassion involves looking, compassion, comfort, helping, and focusing on the person (Widow of Nain, Luke 7:11-17)
• Looking means to turn our attention toward another (Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37)
• Jesus provides us the power for loving like He does (Peter Heals a Beggar, Acts 3:1-10)
• Incarnation is essential to truly showing compassion (Jesus Heals Bartimaeus, Mark 10:46-52)

OBSTACLES TO COMPASSION

• Judging involves making moral pronouncements about others (The Blind Man, John 9:1-7)
• Self-righteousness involves claiming to have knowledge of right and wrong and having an attitude of being “better” than others (Adulteress washes Jesus’ feet, Luke 7:36-50)
• Legalism involves using a good rule in a way that forgets about the individual (Jesus Attends Dinner at Pharisee’s Home, Luke 11:37-43)

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
At your tables, read the following scenarios and use the questions below to prepare how you would show compassion in that situation:

SCENARIO #1: A colleague of yours at work lives with his/her significant other. Recently, your colleague has shared with you that they are expecting, but that their relationship is strained. He/she is not sure what to do about the situation.

SCENARIO #2: A Christian friend of yours has been “down in the dumps” lately and has withdrawn from most of his/her relationships. Your friend believes that he/she does not “fit in” with their peer group. Right now, you are one of the few people he/she still talks to.

SCENARIO #3: Your next-door neighbor is a nice person, but he/she is definitely living a worldly life. In a brief conversation one day, he/she boasts about all the late nights spent either at work trying to get ahead or at clubs trying to find a woman/man.


When answering the following questions, think of how you would answer them – not just the expected “Sunday school” answer. Remember, our desire is to be the "real deal" so be honest with yourself! Also, feel free to make assumptions about the other person (gender, age, length of friendship, etc.).

LOOKING

1. How could you turn your attention toward this person? How would that manifest itself?
2. What might prevent you from looking at (turning your attention toward) this person?

JUDGING

1. What conclusions (judgments) might you come to about this person based on what you know?

SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS

1. What feelings of self-righteousness might you personally feel in this scenario?
2. What actions or thoughts have you had before which may be similar to this person’s?

LEGALISM

1. What good rules might you be inclined to focus on rather focusing on the person?
2. How could you show compassion but without compromising your belief in these good rules?

INCARNATING

1. In order to “incarnate” with this person, what questions could you ask in order to better understand the situation?
   

POWER FOR LOVE

1. What scriptures could you pray back to God (“pray the Word”) as you seek His power for love?