BCIC Sensitivity Sample

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

“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” ROMANS 12:15

TWO PRISONERS AND THEIR PLIGHT “And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.”

GENESIS 40:6

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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wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

Introduction

character is illustrated in this curriculum

2 How to Use This Curriculum

through both artwork and lessons from

3 Goals and Objectives

the lives of people in God’s Word. We most

4 Character Quality Overview

often benefit from the positive examples

5 Sensitivity in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1: Notice Others’ Facial Expressions

written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures

7 Bible Story: Two Prisoners and Their Plight

might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were

8 Memory Verse: Proverbs 15:13

also people in the Bible who are repre-

9 Activity: Seeing beneath the Surface

sentations of poor character, and we can

10 Lesson 2:

Listen Carefully to Others

11 Bible Story: A Captain Confronts an Emotional King 12 Memory Verse: James 1:19 13 Activity: Listen, Look, and Remember!

14 Lesson 3: Consider the Feelings of Others 15 Bible Story: Joseph and the Egyptians Bid Farewell to Jacob 16 Memory Verse: Romans 12:15 17 Activity: Imagine If . . .

18 Lesson 4:

Respond to His Promptings

19 Bible Story: A Prophet Obeys God’s Promptings 20 Memory Verse: Galatians 5:25 21 Activity: Crossword Puzzle

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ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources

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.

22 Sensitivity GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Does Jesus Care?”

26 Hymn History: “Does Jesus Care?” by Frank E. Graeff 27 Explaining Salvation to a Child 28 Reproducible Coloring Pages 32 Recommended Resources

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Sensitivity?

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

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he operational definition of sensitivity is “exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me.” The Bible often uses the word tenderhearted in place of the word sensitivity, meaning one is considerate of others and what they are feeling and experiencing. As you interact with others, you can demonstrate a tender heart by observing, listening, and gently asking questions. Did you know that people communicate unspoken feelings and attitudes through their body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions?

Body language, such as posture, hand gestures, and A thermometer registers the eye contact, often reflects temperature of the environment similar to the way a someone’s true feelings. This sensitive person perceives unspoken communication the attitudes and emotions is even more reliable than a of those around him. person’s words. Our physical senses can detect verbal and nonverbal clues about someone’s spirit and emotions.

If someone is excited, you can rejoice with him. If he is sad, you can sympathize with and encourage him.

The opposite of sensitivity is callousness. A physical callus is created when an area of the skin constantly rubs against another surface, such as a shovel handle or a violin string. The toughened skin (callus) reduces the area’s sense of feeling. Similarly, a person’s heart can become hardened (calloused) to the point that he does

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not care about others. If a Christian allows sin to fester in his heart, his heart will become less tender to the Lord and to others. Such a person may even avoid interacting with others so that he will not be inconvenienced or hurt. Self-centeredness, fear, or bitterness give the devil an advantage and hinder the Christian from loving others and sharing the Gospel with power.

Only when this guarded, insensitive person is willing to repent, forgive, and receive God’s forgiveness will his hardened heart soften toward the Lord and others.

(See Ephesians 4:30–32.)

As you seek to understand people, ask God to help you. When Jesus fulfilled His mission to bring salvation to mankind, He interacted Often a callous person closes up like with perception and a clam to protect himself from being love. He related to hurt and, thus, ignores the true spirit people based on His and emotions of those around him. complete understanding of their deeper needs. (See Isaiah 61:1.) Not only did He see people’s outward expressions, He was also aware of their innermost thoughts. Even now He knows every person intimately and understands each situation fully.

(See Psalm 139:1–4.) Sometimes you won’t know what your friend needs, but the Holy Spirit does know and He can guide you. He may prompt you to speak words of truth in love or lead you to pray silently for your friend. Rather than using your senses to pry or make judgments, use them to minister to others as Jesus did.

Sensitivity in Scripture

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s you read and study God’s Word, you will

SENSITIVITY KEY VERSE

see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” ROMANS 12:15

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

The Character of God

Sensitivity in My Life

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

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

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Our Heavenly Father knows us intimately and understands everything about us.

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(See Psalm 139:1–3.)

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God is constantly mindful of His children and is fully aware of their needs.

(See Isaiah 49:15–16.)

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God comforts those who are cast down and depressed.

(See Isaiah 50:4.)

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Jesus was grieved when He saw the hardness of men’s hearts.

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Jesus, understanding our need, asked the Father to send us a Comforter.

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Jesus’ temptations on earth enabled Him to empathize with us in our weaknesses.

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The Holy Spirit is sensitive to one’s spirit and emotions and prays for those who do not know what to pray.

(See Romans 8:26–27.)

What command am I given about being sensitive to God’s Spirit within me?

(See I Thessalonians 5:19, Ephesians 4:30.)

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(See Hebrews 4:14–15.)

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What should my attitude toward others be, whether or not they are sensitive to me?

(See Colossians 3:12–14, Luke 6:42.)

(See John 14:16.)

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How does Jesus want me to respond as I become aware of spiritual needs around me?

(See Matthew 9:36–38, 28:18–20.)

(See Mark 3:5.)

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How does God want me to treat others?

(See Matthew 7:12.)

(See II Corinthians 7:6, Psalm 119:50.)

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Who teaches me to speak a fitting word to the weary?

How do members of Christ’s Body, the Church, affect one another?

(See I Corinthians 12:26–27.)

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In what ways can I show consideration to others today?

(See I Peter 3:8.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Notice Others’ Facial Expressions

INTRODUCTION

“A

merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance” (Proverbs 15:13). You can often sense how someone truly feels by observing his face. A cheerful countenance expresses inner joy, and a frown indicates dislike. As you interact with others, pay attention to the expressions on their faces. Rejoice with those who are smiling and celebrating. Notice when facial expressions reflect distress, sadness, or fear so that you can respond appropriately. If you see a scowl on your brother’s face, you could ask, “What’s wrong?” or “Do you want to talk about anything?” Or if you see your sister biting her lower lip, try to discover the source of her distress and, if needed, lead her to safety. Reassure her with a hug and a comforting word. Your sensitivity and attentiveness will reflect God’s love to others.

Two Prisoners and Their Plight

SENSITIVITY Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1 Notice Others’ Facial Expressions

Two Prisoners and Their Plight

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hen Joseph was seventeen years old, his ten jealous older brothers sold him into slavery.

Merchants took him to Egypt, where he was bought by a high-ranking Egyptian official named Potiphar.

As captain of the guard, Potiphar was in charge of the king’s personal security force. Daily, Joseph served diligently in the household of Potiphar, who quickly realized that the young Hebrew slave was trustworthy.

Potiphar promoted Joseph to be overseer of his entire household. However, one day Joseph was falsely accused and thrown into prison! Yet, even in prison, Joseph continued to serve faithfully. God showed him

with the management of the other prisoners. One day, two servants of Pharaoh, the Egyptian king, were imprisoned. As Pharaoh’s chief baker and chief butler, the two men were responsible for preparing his food and tasting whatever he drank to make sure it was not poisoned. These two servants had offended Pharaoh and had been thrown into prison in Potiphar’s house.

The captain of the guard charged Joseph with the care of these two prisoners. What would Joseph observe one day as he attended to these prisoners? What would he ask them, and what would they answer?

favor, and the keeper of the prison entrusted Joseph

Let’s read the Bible story in Genesis 40:1–23 and then discuss the following questions.

1. When the offenses occurred, how did Pharaoh feel toward the baker and the butler?

(See Genesis 40:1–2.)

who kindly listens or someone who eagerly offers advice? What happens when you don’t take time to understand? (See Proverbs 18:2, 13.)

How can you avoid stirring up anger?

(See Proverbs 15:1, 17–18.)

2. Where was Joseph when this situation occurred?

(See Genesis 40:3.)

Where is your focus during unpleasant circumstances? How can you be mindful of others?

3. What responsibility was Joseph given in prison?

(See Genesis 40:4.)

How can you serve others who are in a difficult situation? (See Philippians 2:4–7.)

4. What did Joseph notice about the baker and the butler? (See Genesis 40:6.)

What facial expressions show sadness? What other emotions might you see expressed on someone’s face? (See Genesis 4:5–6, Proverbs 15:13, Daniel 5:6.)

5. How did Joseph show that he cared?

(See Genesis 40:7–8.)

When you are sad, do you appreciate someone

6. How did Joseph help the two despondent men?

(See Genesis 40:12–13, 18–19.) Who enabled Joseph to help them? (See Genesis 40:8.)

Who enables you to comfort others?

(See II Corinthians 1:3–4, I Peter 4:11.)

7. What did Joseph ask the butler to do?

(See Genesis 40:14–15.)

What attitude do you need to request help and receive grace from God and others? (See I Peter 5:5–6.)

8. When the butler returned to the palace, did he remember Joseph? (See Genesis 40:23.)

Have you forgotten or ignored someone? How can you make this right? How does God want you to respond when someone is insensitive or disappoints you? (See Colossians 3:13.)

9. In God’s timing, what happened to Joseph?

(See Genesis 41:7b–14, 38–41.)

When have you seen God demonstrate sensitivity and compassion in your life?

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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

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Philippians 2:20–21

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I John 3:17

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I Timothy 6:8

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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

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Psalm 15:4

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II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

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I Samuel 16:7

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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

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Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

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I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

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II Corinthians 9:6

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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

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I Thessalonians 2:7

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James 4:6

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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

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John 15:13

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Romans 5:3–4

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II Timothy 2:24

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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

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Galatians 5:24–25

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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

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I Peter 1:22

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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

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Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

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

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OTHER BIBLICAL CHARACTER RESOURCES

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