For My Personal Time With God This Week:
[#1] Read the following passages in the Bible: Proverbs 31:8-9, Psalm 82:1-5, Leviticus 19:32-34, Exodus 22:21-27, Matthew 25:31-46, James 2:15-16. Don’t rush, but spend some time with them, while praying and asking God what He is asking of you. What burdens has God placed on your heart? Which people, or groups of people, is God asking you to defend or be a voice for?
[#2] Grace is part of a faith tradition known as the Evangelical Covenant Church. Take a look at some of the articles written and resources provided by them at covchurch.org/justice/immigration and consider their viewpoints from Scripture. Do they challenge or affirm some of your own views? What does God want your perspective — and response — to be to the largest refugee crisis the world has ever known?
[#3] Take some time to research and understand the differences in the words compassion, mercy and justice, as Pastor Dave talked about in his message. Which of these do you struggle living into the most? Why?