Key Ideas
Faith Fact
I can show compassion.
Faith Verse
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NLT)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take
Question of the Day: How can I show compassion to others even when it’s hard?
Read about It
Read: Psalm 103:8–13
Everyone’s done things that they knew were wrong. Maybe they borrowed something they shouldn’t have without permission. Or maybe they broke something and never told anyone. Those things are bad, but there’s something even worse. When we do things that God says are wrong, that’s sin. Every single sin deserves God’s punishment. But He shows us compassion and offers us forgiveness. When we ask for His forgiveness, instead of getting what we deserve, we get His love and mercy.
God’s compassion for us is an example for us. Has anyone ever been mean or hurtful to you? If so, maybe you wanted to get back at them. They may have deserved whatever you wanted to do It can be very hard to feel compassion for someone who’s done you wrong. Remembering God’s compassion when we sin can help us show compassion to those who do wrong to us.
Talk about It
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Question 1. According to the verses we read, what are some ways God shows us compassion? Answer 1. He’s slow to get angry, filled with unfailing love, He doesn’t punish us for all our sins, He doesn’t deal harshly with us, and He’s like a father to His children. (Psalm 103:8–13)
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| Question 2. How far did the verses say God can take our sin from us?
Answer 2. “As far from us as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12)
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| Question 3. Why is it sometimes difficult for us to show compassion to those who have been mean to us?
Answer 3. Answers may vary.
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| Question 4. Who in your life right now is difficult for you to show compassion to?
Answer 4. Answers may vary.
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| Question 5. How can I show compassion to others even when it’s hard?
Answer 5. Answers may vary. |
Pray about It
Dear God, thank You for the compassion You have shown to me and for loving me even when I mess up. Help me to show compassion to those around me even when it’s hard. Amen.