BCIC Compassion Sample

Compassion Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”

I JOHN 3:17

A TRAVELER PROVIDES FOR A HELPLESS STRANGER “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”

LUKE 10:33–34

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Mercy

CONTENTS

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making

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Introduction 2 3 4 5

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How to Use This Curriculum Goals and Objectives Character Quality Overview Compassion in Scripture

Lesson 1:

Feel Others’ Pain

7 Bible Story: Blind Bartimaeus Cries Out for Help 8 Memory Verse: Romans 12:15 9 Activity: “Your Pain Is Mine”

10 Lesson 2:

Be Ready to Help

11 Bible Story: Shipwrecked on an Island!

12 Memory Verse: Galatians 6:10 13 Activity: “Ready to Help” Jar

14 L esson 3: Give of My Resources to Help Those in Need 15 Bible Story: A Traveler Provides for a Helpless Stranger 16 Memory Verse: I John 3:17 17 Activity: Ministry Meals

18 Lesson 4: Be an Advocate for the Helpless 19 Bible Story: A Prophet, a Dungeon, and an Advocate 20 Memory Verse: Proverbs 29:7 21 Activity: Word Search

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Additional Resources 22 23 24 25

Compassion GEMs Journal and GEM Mine Hymn Sheet Music: “I Must Tell Jesus” Hymn History: “I Must Tell Jesus”

by Elisha Hoffman 26 Explaining Salvation to a Child 27 Reproducible Coloring Pages 31 Recommended Resources

wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical character is illustrated in this curriculum through both artwork and lessons from the lives of people in God’s Word. We most often benefit from the positive examples of faithful men and women. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were also people in the Bible who are representations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

Illustrated in Life “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Compassion?

Read aloud and discuss what compassion means and how it applies to life.

T

he operational definition of compassion is “investing

by the suffering of others. If you do not care enough

whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.”

to want to help in some way, examine your heart and

When you see someone in pain, can you imagine

ask the Lord to give you His love for others. “But whoso

how they are feeling, especially if something similar

hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need,

has happened to you? As you empathize with them,

and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him,

you not only see but also feel their sorrow. Who do

how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (I John 3:17). As

you know that

you experience the depth of God’s mercy in your own

is hurting? How

life, your love for Him will grow, as will your desire

could you help

to share His

ease someone

love with others

else’s pain? You

through compas-

may see that

sionate words

your mom is

and actions.

tired and would The Red Cross was born from a desire to relieve the pain and misery of wounded soldiers. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).

appreciate help with preparing dinner. Your brother may have cut his finger and

needs a Band-Aid. Your friend may have lost a loved one and would be comforted by receiving a sympathy card. Put yourself in the place of others. What if you were tired, or you cut your finger, or one of your loved ones had passed away? What would you desire others do to comfort you? Look beyond yourself and consider how someone else is feeling. Being moved to help ease their pain is compassion. Is your heart tender to notice those in need, and are you then willing to give whatever it takes to bring healing?

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When Jesus saw the needs of hurting people, He was moved with compassion and began to

“Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard” (Proverbs 21:13).

help them. He came to earth to preach the Gospel to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and preach deliverance to the captives. Although Jesus’ time on earth was short, He set the example for us and expected His followers to continue this ministry. Christians are given the Holy Spirit at salvation to enable them in these great tasks. You cannot solve every problem you see, but when you recognize the needs around you, you can pray to the Lord of the harvest that He would send out laborers. (See Luke 10:2.) When God sends you

The opposite of compassion is indifference. Indifference

to meet a specific need, are you ready and willing to

is exhibited when you are unconcerned and not stirred

minister to others?

Compassion in Scripture

A

COMPASSION KEY VERSE s you read and study God’s Word, you will see Who He is! Be willing to

be changed by Him so Christ can be seen through your life and others will glorify God.

“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” I JOHN 3:17

The Character of God

Compassion in My Life

We see examples of compassion in God’s character in the following ways:

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out compassion daily.

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God stands as an advocate for the helpless.

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(See Psalm 72:12.)

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God is our Healer, both physically and spiritually.

(See Psalm 103:2–6.)

•

•

(See Matthew 25:37–40, Proverbs 19:17.)

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God is full of compassion and mercy, forgiving us when we do not deserve it.

(See Micah 7:18–19, Psalm 78:38.)

Jesus’ tender heart for the multitudes moved Him to heal those who were physically and spiritually sick.

With the compassion of a shepherd for his helpless and wandering sheep, Jesus ministered to the multitudes, even when He was weary.

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Jesus comforts believers with an ever­ lasting consolation and hope.

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The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and constant Companion.

(See John 14:16.)

Does God use other people to comfort me?

Am I willing to let His love flow through me in order to comfort others?

(See II Corinthians 7:6–7.)

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To whom could I lend a helping hand or a listening ear?

(See James 1:27.)

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(See II Thessalonians 2:16–17.)

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How does my current suffering help me to comfort others in the future?

(See II Corinthians 1:3–7.)

(See Mark 6:31–34.)

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Should different nationalities or social standings affect my kindness toward others?

(See Colossians 3:10–12, Exodus 23:9.)

(See Matthew 14:14, Mark 2:17.)

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When I serve the needy, Who else am I serving? How will the Lord reward compas­ sionate deeds?

How can I show compassion to a believer who has fallen to temptation?

(See Galatians 6:1–2.)

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What Scriptures could I use to comfort some­ one who is discouraged, sorrowing, or hurting?

(See Psalm 9:9, 20:1, 28:7.)

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3

GOD ENABLES ME TO

Give of My Resources to Help Those in Need

INTRODUCTION

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od has given abundantly to meet your needs

and the needs of others.

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (II Corinthians 9:8).

How can you use what God has given you to help others? Maybe you could take time to listen and pray with someone who is hurting. Perhaps you can buy needed items to help people in distress or share what you already possess to relieve their suffering.

Maybe you could send an encouraging word to someone who is sad or needs a friend. Show compassion to those who are burdened by sharing with them of the resources and comfort that God has given to you.

(See II Corinthians 1:3–7.)

A Traveler Provides for a Helpless Stranger

COMPASSION Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others 14

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 3

A Traveler Provides for a Helpless Stranger

D

Give of My Resources to Help Those in Need

uring Jesus’ earthly ministry, most Jews and

up to ask Jesus a question about eternal life. Jesus

Samaritans avoided each other because they were

wisely asked the lawyer what was written in the Law.

not friends. In fact, Jews and Samaritans despised

The lawyer replied that the Law commanded people

each other! Once Jesus’ disciples entered a Samaritan

to love God and their neighbors. In order to assure

village to prepare for Him to visit there. However, the

himself that he was keeping the Law, the lawyer asked

villagers would not receive Jesus. The disciples reacted

Jesus another question: “And who is my neighbour?”

in anger! Some wanted to destroy the Samaritans

This time, Jesus answered with a story. What story did

with fire, but Jesus rebuked them. His mission was

He tell? How would He use the unfriendliness between

to save lives, not to destroy them. Another time a

Jews and Samaritans to answer the lawyer’s question?

Samaritan woman was surprised that Jesus, a Jew,

Who in the story would compassionately give his

spoke to her. Yet, He cared for her and continued to

resources to help another person in need?

talk with her. Amidst this time of contention between

Let’s read the Bible story in Luke 10:25–37 and then

the Jews and the Samaritans, a Jewish lawyer stood

discuss the following questions.

1. In Jesus’ parable, what happened to the Jew on his way to Jericho? (See Luke 10:30.)

Who do you know that has experienced theft or another tragedy?

Is it easier to show compassion to someone who likes you or to someone who does not like you?

To whom does God want you to show mercy?

(See Luke 6:31–36.)

2. Who came along next? What did they do when they saw the injured man? (See Luke 10:31–32.)

5. What did the kind Samaritan do to care for the injured Jew? (See Luke 10:34.)

What causes you to turn away from opportunities to help those in need? What excuses have you made not to help someone?

3. Who was the third person to encounter the beaten stranger? Did he only pity the hurt man, or did he do something to help? (See Luke 10:33.)

Are you willing to give of your time, possessions, and skills to help others? Who do you know that is sad, hurt, or alone right now? How could you help?

4. Why was it surprising that the Samaritan helped the Jewish stranger? (See John 4:9.)

What sacrifices have others made to help you or your family in your times of need?

6. As he left the inn, what did the Samaritan offer the innkeeper so that the care for the Jew would continue? (See Luke 10:35.)

When you share your resources, do you give as little as possible, or do you choose to give generously?

7. After hearing the parable, who did the lawyer know was his neighbor? (See Luke 10:36–37.)

Whom do you find difficult to love? Have you asked God to give you His sacrificial love? (See Romans 5:8.)

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Operational Definitions of Character Qualities ALERTNESS vs. Unawareness

ATTENTIVENESS vs. Unconcern

AVAILABILITY vs. Self-Centeredness

BOLDNESS vs. Fearfulness

CAUTIOUSNESS vs. Rashness

COMPASSION vs. Indifference

CONTENTMENT vs. Covetousness

Being aware of that which is taking place around me so that I can have the right response to it

Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions

Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving

Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God

Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness

Mark 14:38

Hebrews 2:1

Acts 4:29

Proverbs 19:2

S

M

Philippians 2:20–21

S

P

G

I John 3:17

M

I Timothy 6:8

G

CREATIVITY vs. Underachievement

DECISIVENESS vs. Double-mindedness

DEFERENCE vs. Rudeness

DEPENDABILITY vs. Inconsistency

DETERMINATION vs. Faintheartedness

DILIGENCE vs. Slothfulness

DISCERNMENT vs. Judgment

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God

Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve

Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice

Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition

The God-given ability to understand why things happen

James 1:5

Romans 14:21

Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it

Romans 12:2

E

O

M

Psalm 15:4

T

O

II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

T

I Samuel 16:7

E

DISCRETION vs. Simplemindedness

ENDURANCE vs. Giving Up

ENTHUSIASM vs. Apathy

FAITH vs. Unbelief

FLEXIBILITY vs. Resistance

FORGIVENESS vs. Rejection

GENEROSITY vs. Stinginess

The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes that could result in undesirable consequences

The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best

Fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit

Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it

Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me

Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes

Hebrews 11:1

Colossians 3:2

Ephesians 4:32

E

Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

S

I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

E

E

S

P

II Corinthians 9:6

S

GENTLENESS vs. Harshness

GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness

HOSPITALITY vs. Loneliness

HUMILITY vs. Pride

INITIATIVE vs. Unresponsiveness

JOYFULNESS vs. Self-Pity

JUSTICE vs. Corruption

Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others

Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it

Delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances

Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

I Corinthians 4:7

Hebrews 13:2

Recognizing that without the help of God and others my achievements in life would not have been possible

Romans 12:21

Psalm 16:11

Micah 6:8

O

O

I Thessalonians 2:7

M

G

S

James 4:6

S

M

LOVE vs. Selfishness

LOYALTY vs. Unfaithfulness

MEEKNESS vs. Anger

OBEDIENCE vs. Willfulness

ORDERLINESS vs. Disorganization

PATIENCE vs. Restlessness

PERSUASIVENESS vs. Contentiousness

Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward

Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those He has called me to serve

Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God

Eagerly yielding to God’s Word rather than following my own will

Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency

Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks

Psalm 62:5

II Corinthians 10:5

I Corinthians 14:40

Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it

I Corinthians 13:3

E

O

John 15:13

M

P

O

Romans 5:3–4

T

II Timothy 2:24

P

PUNCTUALITY vs. Tardiness

RESOURCEFULNESS vs. Wastefulness

RESPONSIBILITY vs. Unreliability

REVERENCE vs. Disrespect

SECURITY vs. Anxiety

SELF-CONTROL vs. Self-Indulgence

SENSITIVITY vs. Callousness

Showing high esteem for other people and their time

Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

Luke 16:10

Romans 14:12

Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away

Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me

Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me

Proverbs 23:17–18

John 6:27

G

G

O

T

T

Galatians 5:24–25

T

M

Romans 12:15

SINCERITY vs. Hypocrisy

THOROUGHNESS vs. Incompleteness

THRIFTINESS vs. Extravagance

TOLERANCE vs. Prejudice

TRUTHFULNESS vs. Deception

VIRTUE vs. Impurity

WISDOM vs. Natural Inclinations

Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives

Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected

Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary

Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word

Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference

G Philippians 2:2

P

I Peter 1:22

P

T P— Prophet

Proverbs 18:15

S— Server

Luke 16:11

G T—Teacher

E— Exhorter

Ephesians 4:25

P G— Giver

II Peter 1:3–5

O— Organizer

E

Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

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