Week 6 : Cultivating God’s Compassion
Saturday
Call to Prayer
God’s desire is for all of humanity to have an intimate relationship with Him. We are able to know God through his Son, Jesus Christ. We engage in a relationship with God through studying the Scriptures and allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s love, truth and compassion, which are found in Christ Jesus.
Spend a few moments in prayer and silence preparing your heart to receive from the Holy Spirit.
Psalm & Scripture
Psalm 82:3-8 (NLT)
“Give justice to the poor and the orphan;
uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
Rescue the poor and helpless;
deliver them from the grasp of evil people.
But these oppressors know nothing;
they are so ignorant!
They wander about in darkness,
while the whole world is shaken to the core.
I say, ‘You are gods;
you are all children of the Most High.
But you will die like mere mortals
and fall like every other ruler.’”
Rise up, O God, and judge the earth,
for all the nations belong to you.
Luke 6:32-36 (NLT)
“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”
Time of Reflection
Take a few moments to reflect on how you have loved your enemies recently. If you need to forgive one of your enemies, offer up a prayer of forgiveness to God.
Pray that God would give you the strength to be compassionate to all.
Missional Moment
Anonymously leave money in a neighbor’s mailbox or doorway with a note about God’s provision. For example, check out Philippians 4:19. Also, did you notice this is the third time that you’ve been asked to give monetarily? Does that bother you?
Community Prayer
Lord, reveal to us the things that separate us from you and from serving your people. Show us what other gods, idols, or addictions we run to for comfort and security. Grant us the courage to surrender a portion of our finances or securities to practice our reliance on you.