“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” Mark 10:43-44
Jesus wants you to be a slave to everyone in the world.
Not really. Not really at all. But, if you read Mark 10:44 and take it at face value, you might get that impression. So if that’s not exactly what Jesus means, what is He saying?
Jesus is speaking about status. He is speaking about entitlement. He is speaking about how we too often think of ourselves a lot more than we should. In Jesus’ day, slaves had zero social status. What little legal standing they had was more about viewing them as property than it was with viewing them as individuals. Slaves were nobodies. Their “wants” never came before anyone else’s.
Often when Jesus taught, He made it a point to use a rhetorical tool called “hyperbole.” Basically it’s a fancy way of saying that He exaggerated things to make His point. That’s a little bit of what’s going on here. See, you’re extremely valuable to God. You’re no lowly slave. And Jesus doesn’t want you to ever be a doormat, or to let people abuse or mistreat you. That’s not it at all. Jesus’ point in saying that we should be like slaves is to strike at our pride, and the way the world says we should pursue greatness.
Jesus wants us to always be looking to put other’s interests first. He wants us to never think too highly of ourselves, or feel like we’re entitled to a position over anyone else. He wants us to have the heart of a servant. He wants you to serve others without regard to what you get in return.
And if you do this, you’ll have a major impact on the world around you, all for the sake of making Jesus known.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Friday, February 26, 2016
Jesus and Culture: Lesson 1 | Devotion 3
“Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.” John 15:20-21
There are moments in your life where you will experience some tough times because you choose to take a stand based on your faith in Christ. Maybe you’ve already experienced this. As we’ve already discussed, this is to be expected. It shouldn’t be something that catches you by surprise.
When you find yourself being treated harshly for doing nothing other than trying to live out your beliefs, it’s easy to get angry or upset at the person or people who are making you feel so rough. But if you take a step back for a second and try to understand where these people are coming from, you may actually find yourself feeling compassion for them instead of frustration. Don’t believe me? Take another look at the words Jesus spoke in the verses above.
Catch that last part? Jesus gives the reason people sometimes treat you badly just because you are a Christ-follower. Did you catch it?
It’s sad isn’t it? People mistreat you because they don’t know God. They don’t know Jesus. They have either rejected God, or have never fully been told of God’s amazing plan to make everything right between Him and humankind. They’re acting out of hate and ignorance. And before you judge them, keep in mind . . . without Christ in your life, you’d be as lost as they are.
So next time someone makes you feel small, or stupid, or left out because of your faith in Christ, resist the urge to resent them. Instead, pray that they might come to know Jesus the way you do.
There are moments in your life where you will experience some tough times because you choose to take a stand based on your faith in Christ. Maybe you’ve already experienced this. As we’ve already discussed, this is to be expected. It shouldn’t be something that catches you by surprise.
When you find yourself being treated harshly for doing nothing other than trying to live out your beliefs, it’s easy to get angry or upset at the person or people who are making you feel so rough. But if you take a step back for a second and try to understand where these people are coming from, you may actually find yourself feeling compassion for them instead of frustration. Don’t believe me? Take another look at the words Jesus spoke in the verses above.
Catch that last part? Jesus gives the reason people sometimes treat you badly just because you are a Christ-follower. Did you catch it?
It’s sad isn’t it? People mistreat you because they don’t know God. They don’t know Jesus. They have either rejected God, or have never fully been told of God’s amazing plan to make everything right between Him and humankind. They’re acting out of hate and ignorance. And before you judge them, keep in mind . . . without Christ in your life, you’d be as lost as they are.
So next time someone makes you feel small, or stupid, or left out because of your faith in Christ, resist the urge to resent them. Instead, pray that they might come to know Jesus the way you do.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Jesus and Culture: Lesson 1 | Devotion 2
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15
In your lesson this week, you might have talked about some examples of what it looks like to “love the world.” The purpose of this devotion is to encourage you to pick up this thread and go a little deeper. After all, one of the steps in learning how not to love the world is recognizing what it looks like.
Spend some time today with your eyes wide open, looking around you for examples of how you and others demonstrate love for the world, identifying more with culture than with Christ.
Take photographs. Take notes. Draw pictures. Do whatever you have to do to record what you see.
Then, spend some time thinking about any areas in your life where you show more love for the world than you do for Christ. Pray to Jesus asking Him to help you see these areas and to give you the strength to turn away from them. Trust Him to be faithful in helping you.
In your lesson this week, you might have talked about some examples of what it looks like to “love the world.” The purpose of this devotion is to encourage you to pick up this thread and go a little deeper. After all, one of the steps in learning how not to love the world is recognizing what it looks like.
Spend some time today with your eyes wide open, looking around you for examples of how you and others demonstrate love for the world, identifying more with culture than with Christ.
Take photographs. Take notes. Draw pictures. Do whatever you have to do to record what you see.
Then, spend some time thinking about any areas in your life where you show more love for the world than you do for Christ. Pray to Jesus asking Him to help you see these areas and to give you the strength to turn away from them. Trust Him to be faithful in helping you.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Jesus and Culture: Lesson 1 | Devotion 1
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” John 15:19
If you’re in the US reading this now, you’ve got it pretty lucky. Or, better yet, you’re pretty blessed. After all, when the world rears it’s ugly head and lashes out at you for standing up for your faith, it might cost you some cool points but it doesn’t cost you your life. For many teenaged Christ-followers around the world, taking a stand with Christ means risking their life. The hatred the world shows them is true hate. Hateful hate.
But does that make the ridicule or the torment you face because of your faith any less real? No. It doesn’t.
Here’s the deal: In His sovereignty, God chose for you to be born and raised exactly where you were. He chose this path for you. God chose for you to live where you live because He wanted to you use to impact the culture you’re surrounded by. And if you truly take up His call to be the person who impacts culture, you will most definitely run into the world’s hate. And while it might not be as bad as it is in other parts of the world, it’s still hate. And it still hurts.
But if you find yourself constantly on the defense of your relationship with Christ, guess what? You’re doing it right! You’re living your life as a child of God. And by doing so, you’re living exactly as Jesus commanded you to live. Which is a pretty cool place to be.
The world isn’t your friend. But that’s OK. God has claimed you as His. And that’s pretty much all that matters.
If you’re in the US reading this now, you’ve got it pretty lucky. Or, better yet, you’re pretty blessed. After all, when the world rears it’s ugly head and lashes out at you for standing up for your faith, it might cost you some cool points but it doesn’t cost you your life. For many teenaged Christ-followers around the world, taking a stand with Christ means risking their life. The hatred the world shows them is true hate. Hateful hate.
But does that make the ridicule or the torment you face because of your faith any less real? No. It doesn’t.
Here’s the deal: In His sovereignty, God chose for you to be born and raised exactly where you were. He chose this path for you. God chose for you to live where you live because He wanted to you use to impact the culture you’re surrounded by. And if you truly take up His call to be the person who impacts culture, you will most definitely run into the world’s hate. And while it might not be as bad as it is in other parts of the world, it’s still hate. And it still hurts.
But if you find yourself constantly on the defense of your relationship with Christ, guess what? You’re doing it right! You’re living your life as a child of God. And by doing so, you’re living exactly as Jesus commanded you to live. Which is a pretty cool place to be.
The world isn’t your friend. But that’s OK. God has claimed you as His. And that’s pretty much all that matters.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Compassion: Lesson 3 | Day 5
“Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all.” 1 Timothy 4:15
In this week’s lesson we talked about some practical ways you can show Christ-like compassion to those you see everyday as well as those in your city and around the world.
Have you done anything about it this week?
Take some time and think through how you are going to put this into practice.
What’s your game plan?
What is going to distract you and throw you off track? How will you fight against it?
In this week’s lesson we talked about some practical ways you can show Christ-like compassion to those you see everyday as well as those in your city and around the world.
Have you done anything about it this week?
Take some time and think through how you are going to put this into practice.
What’s your game plan?
What is going to distract you and throw you off track? How will you fight against it?
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Compassion: Lesson 3 | Day 4
“Test me, Lord, and try me; examine my heart and mind.” Psalm 26:2
Showing Christ-like compassion to others isn’t something we can just make our mind up to do. It’s more than just a decision we come to. It’s a heart issue and our hearts are fickle things. This means we have to be consistently seeking God if we want to love others like He’s called us to.
Take a moment and write out a quick prayer to God about keeping your heart in tune with Him so you can love others with Christ-like love. You can make it a note on your phone or your computer, or write it on a piece of paper that you can refer to regularly.
Showing Christ-like compassion to others isn’t something we can just make our mind up to do. It’s more than just a decision we come to. It’s a heart issue and our hearts are fickle things. This means we have to be consistently seeking God if we want to love others like He’s called us to.
Take a moment and write out a quick prayer to God about keeping your heart in tune with Him so you can love others with Christ-like love. You can make it a note on your phone or your computer, or write it on a piece of paper that you can refer to regularly.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Compassion: Lesson 3 | Day 3
“For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:5-6
Whether we like it our not, our lives all proclaim something. The way we live makes a proclamation about what we think and what we value. The issue to think about is: What are you proclaiming?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:5-6.
In this passage Paul says that the proclamation he’s making is that Jesus Christ is Lord. However, he’s not just proclaiming it with words. Words ring hollow on their own. He says that he’s doing while be a servant for Jesus’ sake. He’s getting down and dirty in people’s lives.
Listen, we can all do nice things for people. We can listen to people when they’re down and do good deeds. What are we proclaiming when we do it? Are we doing it to feel better about ourselves? Are we doing it to get some praise or attention? Are we doing it just to be “good people”? Or are we doing to share Christ-like love and compassion with others and point them to Him?
Think About This...
Whether we like it our not, our lives all proclaim something. The way we live makes a proclamation about what we think and what we value. The issue to think about is: What are you proclaiming?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:5-6.
In this passage Paul says that the proclamation he’s making is that Jesus Christ is Lord. However, he’s not just proclaiming it with words. Words ring hollow on their own. He says that he’s doing while be a servant for Jesus’ sake. He’s getting down and dirty in people’s lives.
Listen, we can all do nice things for people. We can listen to people when they’re down and do good deeds. What are we proclaiming when we do it? Are we doing it to feel better about ourselves? Are we doing it to get some praise or attention? Are we doing it just to be “good people”? Or are we doing to share Christ-like love and compassion with others and point them to Him?
Think About This...
- What’s your life proclaiming right now?
- Is proclaiming Christ as Lord through serving people something you care about?
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Compassion: Lesson 3 | Day 2
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22
How many times a day do you see yourself in a mirror? There are mirrors all over the place: in your bedroom, the bathroom, the car, your purse, and the weight room. They’re all over the place and constantly remind you of what you look like.
Read James 1:22-25.
Think about this scenario: You’re heading out on a date that you’re pumped about and you’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time getting ready. You go for one last check in the mirror and see that you have a gigantic booger hanging out of your left nostril. You step away from the mirror to grab a tissue, forget the booger is there, and head out for the date. Wait . . . what? That’s impossible. You wouldn’t forget there’s a green boulder hanging out of your nose right before a date. That’s crazy.
James is saying that’s what we’re like when we see what we’re called to do in Scripture and don’t do it. We’re hearers and not doers. We see what’s in front of us (like the booger) and then just walk away and don’t address the issue. It’s crazy, right?
Something To Think About...
How many times a day do you see yourself in a mirror? There are mirrors all over the place: in your bedroom, the bathroom, the car, your purse, and the weight room. They’re all over the place and constantly remind you of what you look like.
Read James 1:22-25.
Think about this scenario: You’re heading out on a date that you’re pumped about and you’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time getting ready. You go for one last check in the mirror and see that you have a gigantic booger hanging out of your left nostril. You step away from the mirror to grab a tissue, forget the booger is there, and head out for the date. Wait . . . what? That’s impossible. You wouldn’t forget there’s a green boulder hanging out of your nose right before a date. That’s crazy.
James is saying that’s what we’re like when we see what we’re called to do in Scripture and don’t do it. We’re hearers and not doers. We see what’s in front of us (like the booger) and then just walk away and don’t address the issue. It’s crazy, right?
Something To Think About...
- What has this study on compassion made clear about what we’re called to do as believers?
- Are you being a hearer or a doer?
Monday, February 15, 2016
Compassion: Lesson 3 | Day 1
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not so for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’” Matthew 25:45
“If you wish to share your faith with needy people and do nothing about their painful conditions, you will fail to show them Christ’s beauty.” -Tim Keller
Think About This...
“If you wish to share your faith with needy people and do nothing about their painful conditions, you will fail to show them Christ’s beauty.” -Tim Keller
Think About This...
- What do you think about this quote?
- Take some time to think about it and chew on it. Do you agree with it? Why or why not?
Friday, February 12, 2016
Compassion: Lesson 2 | Day 5
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2
Showing compassion and mercy to people on a consistent basis can be tough. We’re all selfish people at our core. All sorts of things get in the way and cause us to lose sight of how important it is to show Christ-like compassion to others. In Lesson 1 we talked about how Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God’s compassion.
Grab a piece of paper or make a note on your phone and take a moment and write down 3-5 ways Jesus shows compassion. Now, take a minute and write down the top 3-5 things that get in the way of you being Christ-like in showing compassion. Look at the two lists. How do you move from being wrapped up in the things on your second list to being more Christ-like and looking more like the first list?
Showing compassion and mercy to people on a consistent basis can be tough. We’re all selfish people at our core. All sorts of things get in the way and cause us to lose sight of how important it is to show Christ-like compassion to others. In Lesson 1 we talked about how Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God’s compassion.
Grab a piece of paper or make a note on your phone and take a moment and write down 3-5 ways Jesus shows compassion. Now, take a minute and write down the top 3-5 things that get in the way of you being Christ-like in showing compassion. Look at the two lists. How do you move from being wrapped up in the things on your second list to being more Christ-like and looking more like the first list?
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Compassion: Lesson 2 | Day 4
“Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10
Let’s be honest, it’s easier to be nice to some people than it is others. Right? Someone probably popped into your head the second you read that. Some people are mean. Some are difficult. Some are just unpleasant to be around. Sometimes it isn’t just individuals, it’s groups of people that we don’t want to be around or drive us crazy.
Read John 4:1-26.
Jesus took the shortest route in traveling from Judea to Galilee, however, really strict Jews would have taken a longer route to avoid going through Samaria. That’s how much they hated the Samaritans. They considered the Samaritans “half-breeds” and thought they would be defiled by passing through that region.
Think about that for a moment. Now think about how Jesus treated this woman. It wasn’t just soft and fluffy. That isn’t necessarily what compassion is all about. He chose to engage the woman in conversation, which was a huge deal at that time. But He also chose to talk to her about her sin and struggles. Ultimately, He pointed her to himself, which was the most compassionate thing He could have done for her.
It’s easy to show compassion to those we like. Think about the people you avoid. Think about the ones you don’t enjoy being around.
Think About This...
Let’s be honest, it’s easier to be nice to some people than it is others. Right? Someone probably popped into your head the second you read that. Some people are mean. Some are difficult. Some are just unpleasant to be around. Sometimes it isn’t just individuals, it’s groups of people that we don’t want to be around or drive us crazy.
Read John 4:1-26.
Jesus took the shortest route in traveling from Judea to Galilee, however, really strict Jews would have taken a longer route to avoid going through Samaria. That’s how much they hated the Samaritans. They considered the Samaritans “half-breeds” and thought they would be defiled by passing through that region.
Think about that for a moment. Now think about how Jesus treated this woman. It wasn’t just soft and fluffy. That isn’t necessarily what compassion is all about. He chose to engage the woman in conversation, which was a huge deal at that time. But He also chose to talk to her about her sin and struggles. Ultimately, He pointed her to himself, which was the most compassionate thing He could have done for her.
It’s easy to show compassion to those we like. Think about the people you avoid. Think about the ones you don’t enjoy being around.
Think About This...
- Why do you avoid certain people?
- What makes it difficult to show them compassion?
- How can you be more Christ-like towards them?
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Compassion: Lesson 2 | Day 3
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Keep your eyes peeled today for someone showing compassion to someone in need. When you see it, think about how that person’s day was impacted. Think about how it encouraged them and made them feel cared for.
Now, this might take some guts depending on how well you know the person, if at all. But consider encouraging the person you saw show compassion. Maybe it’s a word of encouragement, a text, or a note.
Let them know that it encouraged you. Maybe it will open the door for some cool conversations about showing Christ-like compassion to others.
Keep your eyes peeled today for someone showing compassion to someone in need. When you see it, think about how that person’s day was impacted. Think about how it encouraged them and made them feel cared for.
Now, this might take some guts depending on how well you know the person, if at all. But consider encouraging the person you saw show compassion. Maybe it’s a word of encouragement, a text, or a note.
Let them know that it encouraged you. Maybe it will open the door for some cool conversations about showing Christ-like compassion to others.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Compassion: Lesson 2 | Day 2
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36
Today just spend some time thinking about how Jesus showed compassion to those in need. Think about people’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Just sit for a moment and think about how Jesus responded to them in Scripture. Play the situation out in your head.
How did He treat them?
How did He talk to them?
That’s it. Just take some time and really think about how Jesus loved and cared for those around Him.
Today just spend some time thinking about how Jesus showed compassion to those in need. Think about people’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Just sit for a moment and think about how Jesus responded to them in Scripture. Play the situation out in your head.
How did He treat them?
How did He talk to them?
That’s it. Just take some time and really think about how Jesus loved and cared for those around Him.
Monday, February 8, 2016
Compassion: Lesson 2 | Day 1
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” Psalm 139:23
We all want to be recognized for the good things we do, right? Now, some people want a parade in their honor for every good deed they perform. For others, a simple “thank you” or word of encouragement does the trick. The issue is this: What’s your motivation for showing love and compassion to others?
Read Psalm 139:23-24.
Stop and think about those words for a moment. If you’re sincere in asking God to do this, think about what it means. It might not turn out very pretty. It might be a little uncomfortable and even may sting a little. However, we need our hearts and our motives checked on a regular basis.
So, take some time and think about how you show compassion and mercy to others. What’s your motive? Do you do it for applause or praise? Is it to make you feel good about yourself? Or is it out of a desire to treat others like Jesus would treat them?
Genuinely pray Psalm 139:23-24 and ask God to help you see where your motives are. If they’re off a bit, seek him in getting them back on track.
Think About This...
We all want to be recognized for the good things we do, right? Now, some people want a parade in their honor for every good deed they perform. For others, a simple “thank you” or word of encouragement does the trick. The issue is this: What’s your motivation for showing love and compassion to others?
Read Psalm 139:23-24.
Stop and think about those words for a moment. If you’re sincere in asking God to do this, think about what it means. It might not turn out very pretty. It might be a little uncomfortable and even may sting a little. However, we need our hearts and our motives checked on a regular basis.
So, take some time and think about how you show compassion and mercy to others. What’s your motive? Do you do it for applause or praise? Is it to make you feel good about yourself? Or is it out of a desire to treat others like Jesus would treat them?
Genuinely pray Psalm 139:23-24 and ask God to help you see where your motives are. If they’re off a bit, seek him in getting them back on track.
Think About This...
- Why is it so easy to seek the praise and applause of man?
- How can you go about getting your motives in check?
- How do you go about getting your heart set on seeking God?
Friday, February 5, 2016
Compassion: Lesson 1 | Day 5
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:5
Take some time and think about the things that bring trouble, stress, and pain into your life. Think about the things coming up today, this week, and this month that have the potential to get you upset, down, or brokenhearted.
Now think about what it would look like if you looked to the Lord during these times and in these situations. Go over in your head how you would do that. Mentally prepare yourself to run to God instead of anyone or anything else.
Take a moment and pray that God would guide you to look to him as you face these struggles.
Take some time and think about the things that bring trouble, stress, and pain into your life. Think about the things coming up today, this week, and this month that have the potential to get you upset, down, or brokenhearted.
- Where are you looking for help during these times?
- What are you doing to ease or mask the hurt? Is it working? Why or why not?
Now think about what it would look like if you looked to the Lord during these times and in these situations. Go over in your head how you would do that. Mentally prepare yourself to run to God instead of anyone or anything else.
Take a moment and pray that God would guide you to look to him as you face these struggles.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Compassion: Lesson 1 | Day 4
Think about the following verse we looked at during the lesson:
“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” Exodus 34:6-7a
Take some time today to dwell on that truth as it relates to you today.
The Lord is compassionate a gracious to you.
The Lord is slow to anger towards you.
The Lord is abounding in love and faithfulness for you.
The Lord maintains His love to you.
The Lord forgives your wickedness, rebellion, and sin.
There’s some incredible peace and rest that comes from just thinking about those truths through the day!
Take some time today to dwell on that truth as it relates to you today.
The Lord is compassionate a gracious to you.
The Lord is slow to anger towards you.
The Lord is abounding in love and faithfulness for you.
The Lord maintains His love to you.
The Lord forgives your wickedness, rebellion, and sin.
There’s some incredible peace and rest that comes from just thinking about those truths through the day!
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Compassion: Lesson 1 | Day 3
“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1
This might not be totally up your alley, but give it a shot anyways. No one’s going to see it, so you don’t have anything to worry about.
In this week’s lesson we talked about looking to the Lord and falling into his hands during times of trouble. In a journal or note-taking app, take a few minutes and illustrate what that looks like in your life.
Think about the troubles you’re facing. Think about the rest and peace the Lord offers in the midst of them.
You can literally draw yourself falling into a set of hands if you want, or you can put your own spin on what that looks like. Use the illustration as a reminder of where your hope lies this week.
This might not be totally up your alley, but give it a shot anyways. No one’s going to see it, so you don’t have anything to worry about.
In this week’s lesson we talked about looking to the Lord and falling into his hands during times of trouble. In a journal or note-taking app, take a few minutes and illustrate what that looks like in your life.
Think about the troubles you’re facing. Think about the rest and peace the Lord offers in the midst of them.
You can literally draw yourself falling into a set of hands if you want, or you can put your own spin on what that looks like. Use the illustration as a reminder of where your hope lies this week.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Compassion: Lesson 1 | Day 2
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
Can you remember your first crush? That first person you liked, thought was cute, and wanted to be around all the time. How did it end up working out? Did you have the guts to talk to them? Did you pull the courage together to tell them what you thought about them? Did it go smooth? Or did you get your heart ripped out?
Read Psalm 34:18.
Regardless of whether it was your first crush or not, we’ve all dealt with getting our hearts stomped on at some point. And it’s traumatic, right? We think the world is literally going to end, no one cares about us, and there’s no hope for rest of time. We overblow the situation and lose sight of what’s real and right in front of us.
Well, there are a lot of things that happen in our lives that are worse than getting denied by a middle or high school crush. There’s serious heartache, pain, and struggles that leave people in despair. While these are real issues and real struggles, it’s important for us to cling to the truth that God is “close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” We can’t lose sight of what’s real and in front of us. We serve a God that cares for us and loves us and will ultimately make all things right.
Think About This...
Can you remember your first crush? That first person you liked, thought was cute, and wanted to be around all the time. How did it end up working out? Did you have the guts to talk to them? Did you pull the courage together to tell them what you thought about them? Did it go smooth? Or did you get your heart ripped out?
Read Psalm 34:18.
Regardless of whether it was your first crush or not, we’ve all dealt with getting our hearts stomped on at some point. And it’s traumatic, right? We think the world is literally going to end, no one cares about us, and there’s no hope for rest of time. We overblow the situation and lose sight of what’s real and right in front of us.
Well, there are a lot of things that happen in our lives that are worse than getting denied by a middle or high school crush. There’s serious heartache, pain, and struggles that leave people in despair. While these are real issues and real struggles, it’s important for us to cling to the truth that God is “close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” We can’t lose sight of what’s real and in front of us. We serve a God that cares for us and loves us and will ultimately make all things right.
Think About This...
- Have you experienced God being close to you when you were brokenhearted? If so, what did you learn from the experience? If not, how did that impact you? Do you think it was a function of God not caring or you not being aware of his presence?
Monday, February 1, 2016
Compassion: Lesson 1 | Day 1
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:36
Have you ever had a friend or sibling copy everything you do? Sometimes they do it just to get on your nerves. Other times they do it because they genuinely look up to you and want to be like you. Regardless of why they do it, it can get kind of annoying at times. You just want to be you and you just want them to be them. Makes sense.
Read Luke 6:36.
Well, the whole “copycats are annoying” bit doesn’t apply when it comes to God and us. We’re called to be like him. Scripture literally calls us to imitate him (Ephesians 5:1). And one of the ways we’re called to be like him is in the mercy and compassion we show other people. Compassion and mercy are a part of who God is. So, they need to be a part of who we are.
The issue is, how do we become more compassionate and merciful? It’s not about trying harder and putting forth more effort. It’s about our hearts being changed and pursuing Christ-likeness. Without that heart change, our compassion and mercy will be short lived.
Think About This...
Read Luke 6:36.
Well, the whole “copycats are annoying” bit doesn’t apply when it comes to God and us. We’re called to be like him. Scripture literally calls us to imitate him (Ephesians 5:1). And one of the ways we’re called to be like him is in the mercy and compassion we show other people. Compassion and mercy are a part of who God is. So, they need to be a part of who we are.
The issue is, how do we become more compassionate and merciful? It’s not about trying harder and putting forth more effort. It’s about our hearts being changed and pursuing Christ-likeness. Without that heart change, our compassion and mercy will be short lived.
Think About This...
- Do you believe you’re a compassionate and merciful person? Would other people describe you as such?
- How can you pursue more Christ-likeness in this area?
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