"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32.
"Let the tenderness and mercy that Jesus has revealed in His own precious life he an example to us of the manner in which we should treat our fellow beings.... Many have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, whom one word of kindly cheer and courage would have strengthened to overcome.... We cannot tell how far reaching may be our tender words of kindness, our Christlike efforts to lighten some burden. The erring can be restored in no other way than in the spirit of meekness, gentleness, and tender love."—Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 612, 613.
You can be a forgiver and a forgetter! You can be understanding and empathic! You can be a loving and helpful Christian!
Every Christian's ministry begins with a loving, trustful relationship that creates an open, friendly atmosphere for accepting people as they are. By showing respect for human dignity the Christian provides the climate for tangled lives of sinful people to be untangled by Jesus Christ.
You will discover in this lesson—
COMPASSION AND FORGIVENESS
1. How does the Bible associate compassion and forgiveness? Ephesians 4:32.
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
2. What did Jesus say should be done with interpersonal troubles? Matthew 5:23, 24.
Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV) "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24) leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
Ministering and helping is a two-way process. The channel between the one ministering and the one receiving the help must not be obstructed with feelings of resentment, blame, or accusation. The way must be open and free for the giving as well as the receiving of help.
3. Does God treat sinners as they deserve? Psalm 103:2-4, 10.
Psalms 103:2-4 (NIV) Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- 3) who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4) who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, Psalms 103:10 (NIV) he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
4. In view of God's dealing with us, how should we relate to those who have offended us? Matthew 18:21, 22.
Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV) Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22) Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
5. What lesson of forgiveness is found in the parable of the unmerciful servant? Matthew 18:23-25.
Matthew 18:23-25 (NIV) "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24) As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25) Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
6. Does forgiving love keep a record of wrongs? 1 Corinthians 13:4, 5.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5) It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
7. What does the Bible say about a nonjudgmental spirit? Matthew 7:1-5.
Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV) "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2) For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3) "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4) How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5) You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Personal ministry provides an opportunity for a full expression of the love of Christ. Without love genuine ministry becomes difficult and ineffective. The real Christian serves others with a nonjudgmental attitude and a spirit of acceptance, showing empathy and sincere concern for their salvation. Jesus did this in His ministry.
8. How did Joseph show his brothers genuine forgiveness? Genesis 45:4-7.
Genesis 45:4-7 (NIV) Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5) And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6) For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. 7) But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
9. What remarkable example did Stephen give us when we relate to difficult experiences? Acts 7:59, 60.
Acts 7:59-60 (NIV) While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60) Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.
10. What example of forgiveness did Jesus give to those who crucified Him? Luke 23:34.
Luke 23:34 (NIV) Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
11. In what special ways does love prepare a Christian for active ministry? 1 Corinthians 13:6, 7.
1 Corinthians 13:6-7 (NIV) Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7) It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Summarize how these verses will help you to be an effective Christian witness:
Note: Ministry to sinful, degraded humanity calls for many spiritual qualities and special resources. Jesus often felt virtue had been expended while ministering to the people of His day. Genuine Christian love, when brought face-to-face with difficult circumstances, will always trust, always hope, that God's will somehow will be done. Responding to persons, places, and particular circumstances will require all of these qualities to meet the challenge of personal ministry.
AN AVENUE OF MINISTRY
Addiction Recovery
There are a number of programs available to help people caught in the cycle of addiction. Alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography addiction is at an all time high in our country. If you have an interest in ministry in this area of desperate need please contact your pastor.
Unless otherwise designated, scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION�. Copyright � 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.