From Manger To Mission
Introduction
Compassion Attributes Developed Over Phases Of Life:
Phase 1 – The Manger:
and
9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. —2 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT)
Compassion Attribute:
15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. —Romans 12:15 (NLT)
13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words. —Job 2:13 (NLT)
Phase 2 – The Temple:
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46 They found him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. —Luke 2:46 (NLT)
Compassion Attribute:
13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need. —Proverbs 21:13 (NLT)
17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? —1 John 3:17 (NLT)
33 Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. —Luke 10:33-34 (NLT)
Phase 3 – The Wilderness:
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1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. —Matthew 4:1 (NLT)
Compassion Attribute:
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. —2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)
Phase 4 – The Ministry:
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41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be healed!’ —Mark 1:41 (NLT)
Compassion Attribute:
15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, ‘Goodbye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well’—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? —James 2:15-16 (NLT)
Phase 5 – The Mission:
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45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. —Mark 10:45 (NLT)
Compassion Attribute:
40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. 42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.
43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! —Matthew 5:40-44 (NLT)3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” —Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT)
Conclusion
8 Freely you have received; freely give. —Matthew 10:8 (NLT)
My Next Steps:
- Who in my life needs me to be present right now, offering the gift of my time and attention?
- How can I practice being more aware of the needs in my community or family?
- How is God preparing me in this season to be more compassionate and generous?
- What immediate action can I take this week to meet a need in my church, neighborhood, or workplace?
- What Am I willing to sacrifice to show God’s love to others?
My Giving Challenge:
Help Scholarship Jarvis: College Tuition
Christmas Love Project: Food & Beverage
Jingle Jam: Cakes & Desserts
Christmas Parties: Food & Beverages
My Upcoming Events:
Wednesday Online Prayer Gathering
Next Week: Dr. Mike Freeman – December 15, 2024.