2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (TLB) God has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into his favor and be reconciled to him. For God was in Christ, restoring the world to himself, no longer counting men’s sins against them but blotting them out. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. We are Christ’s ambassadors. God is using us to speak to you: we beg you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, receive the love he offers you — be reconciled to God.
James 5:11 (NLT) The Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.
Philippians 2:4 (TEV) Look out for one another's interests, not just for your own.
Jude 1:22-23 (TLB) Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren’t pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners.
1 Peter 4:8 (ICB) Most importantly, love each other deeply. Love has a way of not looking at others' sins.
Matthew 9:10-13 (NLT) Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
Colossians 4:6 (CEV) Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions.
James 3:17 (TLB) The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy…
Matthew 23:23 (NLT) “…You teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income …but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.”
Matthew 9:36 (NIV) When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Galatians 6:2 (GW) Help carry each other's burdens. In this way you will follow Christ's teachings.
Romans 15:1-3 (MSG) Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” That's exactly what Jesus did. He didn't make it easy for himself by avoiding people's troubles, but waded right in and helped out.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT) God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 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.
Romans 12:13 (NJB) Look for opportunities to be hospitable.
Matthew 25:36 (Phi) “…I was lonely and you made me welcome…”
2 Corinthians 2:7 (CEV) When people sin, you should forgive and comfort them, so they won't give up in despair.
1 Peter 3:9 (CEV) Don't be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God's chosen ones, and he will bless you.
As a warm up, brainstorm with your group a list of all the “secret agent/spy” movies and TV shows you can come up with in 90 seconds. What’s your favorite among them and why?
What similarities and what differences do you find between secret agents and Christ followers?
Choose one of the action points related to increasing our ‘mercy quotient’ and break it down to how you actually do that in the real world? What are the special dangers or challenges to be aware of? When have you seen these work?
Of the people Steve suggested we could be “on the lookout” for needing mercy, which do you find easiest to be an agent of mercy to? The hardest? Why?
What “mercy” scripture(s) in this message or series of messages has stuck with you or especially impacted your heart and mind? What do you sense God may want you to do or be in light of it?
Our final lesson on Mercy was all about sharing the Good News that Jesus died for us all. Ask your child who we learned about in our Bible story today. What was he like in the beginning of the story? How about at the end? Paul’s life was radically changed when he met Jesus on the road to a town called Damascus. He spent the rest of his life telling others the Good News about Jesus. Ask your child what that Good News is. To learn more together, check out the Family Reflection portion of the handout your child worked on in church today.
A born teacher, Steve combines a depth of insight with unchanging biblical truths to provide messages that are both engaging & life changing. Married to Jean, his bride of 35 years, and the father of three adult children, Steve enjoys early mornings on his porch in study, time with family & friends at the coast, and playing Bluegrass music on his guitar.
Sunday
Milburn | 9:00am & 11:00am
Online | 9:00am & 11:00am
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Wednesday | 6:30pm
