STAY CONNECTED
We want to ensure that you continue to receive relevant communication from us. Update your email, phone number, or address to stay connected.
Compassion Sunday
March 30, 2025 12:27 PM
__largepreview__.webp)
Opening
Think of a time when you faced a difficult situation—maybe a job loss, medical crisis, divorce, or something similar—and found yourself needing significant support from others. How did it feel to rely deeply on the compassion and care of people around you? What did that experience teach you about receiving help and extending compassion to others?
Overview
Scripture: James 1:27: Matthew 25:35-36, 40
Main Idea
James 1:27 and Matthew 25:35-36, 40 highlight that true devotion to God is shown through compassionate care for vulnerable children, especially orphans. James 1:27 emphasizes that authentic faith involves actively caring for those lacking parental protection, making this care central to genuine spiritual practice.
This passage teaches that real faith is expressed through compassion rather than mere religious formality. The gospel states that faith in Christ transforms us and inspires selfless acts of mercy and justice.
Similarly, Matthew 25:35-36, 40 stresses that actions like feeding and sheltering vulnerable children reflect our love for Christ. Together, these passages mandate followers of Christ to meet the essential needs of children in difficult circumstances. They illustrate that serving vulnerable children is inherently linked to serving Jesus Himself, who identifies with the weak and marginalized. By caring for these children, we embody Christ’s compassion, sacrifice, and love.
Discussion Questions
- How does Compassion International’s approach to helping vulnerable children embody the compassion and love described in James 1:27 and Matthew 25:35-36, 40? In what specific ways do their practices illustrate serving Jesus Himself?
- Why is it important, according to these passages, for Christians to move beyond merely believing or talking about their faith to actively participating in compassionate care for vulnerable children? How can engagement with ministries like Compassion International deepen our understanding and practice of authentic faith?
- Jesus identifies deeply with the vulnerable and marginalized. In light of this truth, how might regularly reflecting on these scripture passages change the way we view and interact with children supported by Compassion International or similar ministries?
- Compassion International emphasizes selfless, sacrificial giving to children facing poverty and hardship. How do these passages encourage believers to embrace sacrifice and generosity as central components of their discipleship journey?
Closing
Pray together for God to help you cultivate compassionate action for others.